An unofficial association of policemen belonging to sexual minorities has been operating in Finland for about two years. The initiators of the association were young female police officers.. They believe that they are less constrained by the prejudices characteristic of older colleagues, writes YLE.

Representatives of sexual and gender minorities in the ranks of the Finnish police created their own association, the task of which is to promote equality among police officers and improve their situation.

The chairman of the association, dubbed the Rainbow Police of Finland, a criminal commissioner from Vaasa Linnea West, commented on the creation of a public organization:.

- This is a kind of message for citizens. The creation of such an association will at best help strengthen citizens' confidence in the police, which, in turn, can better monitor the observance of human rights when minority representatives openly speak about themselves in their ranks..

According to West, if citizens do not trust the police, this affects public safety.. For example, hate crimes can be hushed up out of fear if citizens for one reason or another do not trust the competence of law enforcement officers or their attitude to such offenses raises doubts.

Kirsi Pimia, Chief of the Office of the Ministry of the Interior. She supported this initiative in her previous position as the Equality Ombudsman..

- In Finland, people trust the police, but among minorities, the level of trust is lowered. This can and should be fixed, including with the help of such actions..