Great to see FSU and Police meeting

From the latest Free Speech Union newsletter:

Several months back, I had the opportunity to meet with Andrew Coster, the Police Commissioner, following the Posie Parker affair. As you’ll know, we were concerned by the inaction of the Police to protect speech rights (which includes the right to receive information). Following that meeting, the Commissioner invited my team and I to return and brief the Police Leadership Forum.  

We were given a generous portion of time on Thursday last week to unpack the importance of free speech in a democracy and the crucial role Police had in defending it. This was to the top brass, including the Commissioner, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners, Directors, and each of the District Commanders. Ideally, we’d live in a country where our police are already fully sold on why law enforcement should defend this basic freedom, but at least we’re able to work towards that. 

It’s great to see the FSU able to meet with the Police leadership team and talk about the role of the Police in defending free speech. It’s a reminder that the value of groups like the FSU don’t just lie in their public advocacy, but also in their ability to engage with others.