Florida’s Tampa Police Department introduced a new rainbow badge for officers to don during Pride month this June.
“The badge incorporates the rainbow flag, as well as the five-color chevron that represents people of color and the transgender community. Together, these colors symbolize the continued progress for marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community and the forward movement for inclusion within society,” the department explained in a social media post. “This badge can be a conversation starter, a way to show that we are allies, and a symbol of safety for those who might be hesitant to interact with the police.”
Incorporating the Progress Pride Flag, this badge is 1 of 9 that members can choose to collect or wear in June.
Serving as a conversation starter & symbol of safety, we’re here to listen, learn, and ensure all members of our community feel included, safe, and respected. pic.twitter.com/KChgUZq9oC— Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD) June 6, 2024
Officers have nine badge options they can choose to wear. This particular badge is voluntary for TPD officers.
The rainbow flag depicted in the badge was designed in 2018 by graphic designer Daniel Quasar and is referred to as the “progress pride” flag.
This initiative comes after Tampa has not reported a hate crime against any member of the LGBT community since 2021. Since the department began recording hate crimes in 2016, it has reported only five instances of anti-LGBT crime.
Meanwhile, overall crime has remained largely constant since 2021, with over 9,000 crimes reported between then and 2023. Calls for service are also steady at roughly 500,000 annually.
