I have been in the Police service for nearly ten years and, unfortunately I have been a victim of hate crime numerous times.
I have been called names by members of the public due to my ethnicity, the fact that I am Scottish and my religious beliefs.
I would be lying if I said it does not affect me; it does play on your mind and you realise that you are different.
But, there are various support channels available here at Bedfordshire Police, and I have managed to deal with these issues and not let them affect me in an adverse way. Continue reading