Correspondence from Gary Roberts, Chief Constable, Isle of Man Constabulary to Clare Barber, Chair of Isle of Pride
Date(s): 2022
Creator(s): Isle of Man Constabulary
Scope & Content: Covering letter and enclosed additional letter addressed from Chief Constable Gary Roberts to Clare Barber, Chair of Isle of Pride.
The covering letter from the Chief Constable notes that it is intended to be read in conjunction with a lenthier one about the policing of the LGBTQ+ community. Gary Roberts writes that he hopes the longer letter will be seen as being an apology that helps draw a line under the past and that retired police officers see it for what it is. He covers practical matters about the release of his five page letter and notes there are adjustments to a previously seen draft, in part due to Mrs Barber's feedback but also after discussion with the National Police Chiefs Council and in particular with its diversity and inclusion lead: 'My actions may well have consequences in the United Kingdom as no one there has ever apologised in this fashion. Only in Canada has a similar apology been made and the feeling from colleagues in the United Kingdom is that the letter will reignite a debate there'.
The longer letter begins, 'In many ways this is the most difficult letter that I have had to write in a lifetime of public service that began in October 1981. If I get it wrong, I risk appearing insincere, which would harm what I wish to achieve, but equally I wish to recognise the dedicated service given by many decent people, who spent their working lives policing the island'.
Administration / Biographical History: The longer letter of apology was exhibited in the Cabinet of Queeriosity, Manx Museum from Saturday 6 August until Sunday 4 September 2022.
Language: English
Extent: 2 items
Item name: letters
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: FILE
ID number: MS 15217
Record class: Associational
Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Viewable by request during library opening hours at the Manx National Heritage Library and Archives, Manx Museum, Douglas, Isle of Man. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.im