For the first time in the London Police Service's history, the Pride Flag is flying high above its headquarters.
The rainbow flag was erected at 601 Dundas St. in a ceremony held on Thursday morning. Chief John Pare was joined by a dozen officers who happily snapped photos as Constable Jeff Burke raised the flag.
"It's about reaffirming our commitment to continue to work with the LGBT community," says Chief Pare. "To create a positive, trusting relationship so we can address any issues and concerns."
Although London's Police Chiefs began marching in the annual Pride parade in 2011, this is the first time the force has erected the rainbow flag in front of their headquarters.
Pride London Festival President Andrew Rosser calls the decision by London police to fly the Pride Flag a big step for the community.
We've rebuilt a relationship with the police over many years and we can't thank them enough for their support," says Rosser.
He says the force has been actively engaging with the LGBT community to close the gap between police and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people within the city.
"I'm actually actively working with Chief Pare on looking at the training that the police receive and what we can add to that to allow them to better serve our community," says Rosser.
Chief Pare, along with several other members of the force, will march in the annual Pride Parade scheduled for next Sunday.
The flag raising ceremony coincided with the start of the Pride London Festival which runs from Thursday until July 24.
Constable Jeff Burke preparing to raise the Pride Flag above police headquarters on Dundas St., July 14, 2016. (Photo by Samuel Gallant)