Trans Pride flag at Brecon Station 453/2025

FOI Reference: 453/2025

Request:

I am writing to submit a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding the permanent display of the Trans Pride flag at Brecon Police Station.

Over recent years, this flag has been flown alongside the Welsh and British flags. While it initially appeared during Pride Month, it now appears to be permanently displayed. Given that police stations are public institutions expected to maintain impartiality and represent all members of the community equally, I am seeking greater transparency around how this decision was made.

Specifically, I would like to request the following information:

1. Who authorised the permanent display of the Trans Pride flag at Brecon Police Station — including the names, job titles, or departments responsible.
2. Copies of internal communications (emails, meeting minutes, memos, or policy discussions) regarding the decision to fly the flag on a permanent or ongoing basis.
3. Any existing policy, criteria, or guidelines used to determine which flags may be displayed at police stations within the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
4. The date the Trans Pride flag was first flown permanently (i.e., not as part of a temporary Pride Month observance).
5. Any documents or correspondence related to public consultation or community input into the decision, if applicable.
6. Any records of reviews, objections, or future plans concerning the continued display of this or similar identity-specific flags at Brecon Police Station.

As a related point of concern, I note that other underrepresented communities — such as disabled individuals or neurodivergent people — are not represented with comparable public visibility, despite the existence of recognised flags such as the Disability Pride flag and the Autistic Pride flag. I raise this not in opposition to any group, but to question whether public-facing representations are being handled consistently and fairly across all communities.

I would also like to request, pending review, that the flag be temporarily removed until a clear and inclusive policy on such displays is established.

Response 1:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

No-one. The flag is not intended to be permanently flow, it was flown to mark Trans Day of Visibility on 31/03/205 and the FOI Team were advised on 02/05/2025 that the flag has now been taken down.

Response 2:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does not hold the information requested, due to the fact that there was no decision to fly the flag permanently.

Response 3:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

A formal policy does not exist, however, national days of importance are centrally guided by central Government - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/designated-days-for-union-flag-flying

Response 4:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does not hold the information requested, this is due to the fact that a record has not been kept as to when the flag was raised, however, please note the date mentioned in Response 1.

Response 5:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does not hold the information requested, due to the fact that this question is not applicable.

Response 6:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

Dyfed-Powys Police are currently drafting a Flag Flying Protocol, which will be reviewed by our Independent Advisory Group before being presented to Leadership for approval.                                               

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 08/05/2025)