Gypsy Travellers (Gypsy Romany and Irish) have the full protection from discrimination under the Race Relation Act and although they are two distinct groups, they do share a commonalty when it comes to discrimination. 

Travelling People are not a single culturally homogenous group who can be identified by the use of dubious racial stereotypes. Like any other section of society they have their own ethnic identity, differences and traditions, what is true for one group is not necessarily true for all or indeed any of the others.

Nonetheless all groups do seem to share some cultural values around areas of cleanliness, independence and have a particularly strong emphasis on the family group.

What is important for us to recognise is that these differences exist and that policing styles should be adapted to accommodate not only the needs of each group but, as far as is reasonably practicable, individuals within that group.

We have a dedicated Gypsy Traveller Liaison Officer who is based at County Hall within the Gypsy Traveller Liaison team and whose role is to improve communications between gypsy travellers, police and the settled communities.