New Orleans cops now have the option of wearing a badge in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
"In honor of Pride Month, the NOPD has made available to its officers a special badge bearing the multi-colored Pride symbol," according to a news release issued June 21st. "The badge is available for officers to wear during the month of June, recognized as Pride Month, as well as during the city’s annual Decadence Festival in September."
The release says the NOPD is one of the only major police departments in America to allow its officers to wear these special badges during Pride Month. It joins New Orleans EMS in making local First Responder Pride-edition badges available.
"These special badges represent the NOPD’s commitment to diversity and to working with everyone in our community – including our LGBTQ+ members and allies – to make New Orleans the greatest city in the world,” NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. “New Orleans is a city rich in diversity – be it in our people, our food, our music or our culture. We love, respect and celebrate that diversity, which is also reflected within our own ranks. These special badges are a reflection of that love, respect and celebration.”
The chief added that New Orleans Police support a nondiscriminatory, respectful and accepting society where people of all backgrounds, lifestyles and beliefs can live, work and play together.
“Utilizing these badges to help convey that support is another example of how the NOPD is leading the way in modern day policing in America,” Ferguson said.
