More on KentOnline
“Welcome to Kent. We are racist, homophobic, xenophobic, ageist and do not value you if you are disabled or gay - and here’s a booklet telling you how to make a complaint against us”.
This is the damning conclusion made by Gravesham MP Adam Holloway on reading Kent Police's latest guide on safety and information.
Rather than explain the basics of how to report crime and access services, Kent Police has fallen into 'politically correct claptrap', according to the Gravesham MP.
The police booklet produced for immigrants; ‘A practical guide to the law for your safety and information’explains how to report incidents relating to discrimination, rather than how to contact police in an emergency.
In fact nowhere in the booklet does it mention the 999 service, said Mr Holloway.
Mr Holloway said: "Whilst the book has some excellent illustrations showing what is against the law in the UK, not once is anyone told about the 999 service.
“I find it extraordinary that Kent Police can produce a booklet that in a sense says, ‘Welcome to Kent. We are racist, homophobic, xenophobic, ageist and do not value you if you are disabled or gay, and here’s a booklet telling you how to make a complaint against us’.
"What sort of message are we giving people? The police have got their priorities wrong and have totally given into this politically correct and damaging claptrap.
“Immigrants come here for a variety of different reasons but mainly for work. They are our guests and have to abide by British law. By all means produce a guide to the laws of our country but when they read page one of the English version of this book, they may think they are entering a rather disgusting society, which Kent certainly isn’t.”
"Their (Kent Police's) job is to protect the public: they need to calm down a bit on this sort of thing.
"I understand that my friend Ann Widdecombe was recently horrified at Kent Police encouraging 14 year olds to write essays on diversity. They need to remember what their job actually is."
Kent Police's Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Leppard said: "Kent Police's priority is to prevent and detect crime while respecting all people visiting, living and working in Kent.
"Kent Police treats everyone with fairness and equality. We do not tolerate any form of hate crime. The booklet raises awareness that hate crime is taken seriously by police and provides information about how to report it, helping ensure this type of crime is not under reported.
"This booklet specifically addresses the needs of people entering the UK. It replicates booklets that have been issued by other forces across the country.
"We always welcome feedback. We continually review our services so we can continue to police Kent in the most effective and resourceful way."