Hampshire Constabulary listed as 'gay bar' on Google

A Google search for “Hampshire Constabulary” on Tuesday, June 2, brought up a panel describing the organisation as a “gay bar”, alongside the address for the Park Gate police station in Bridge Road, near Southampton.

The building is listed by the Police and Crime Commissioner as Park Gate Police Station, with a public front counter open three days a week and officers based there as part of plans to boost police visibility.

The error appears in the station’s Google Business Profile – a listing which normally allows organisations to display their website, opening hours and contact details, along with a brief description of what they do.

Hampshire Constabulary is listed as a gay bar on Google (Image: Gooogle)

Google uses preset “business categories” such as restaurant, supermarket or police station to label places in search results and on Google Maps, and allows both verified owners and members of the public to suggest edits.

It is not clear whether the Park Gate listing was changed by someone within Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary or by a member of the public, or when the description was altered.

Guidance on Google’s help pages urges organisations to choose a primary category that “best describes your business” and warns that choosing misleading categories can affect how a place appears in search results.

Hampshire Constabulary has previously been recognised by LGBT+ charity Stonewall for its work with lesbian, gay and bisexual staff and communities, ranking as one of the UK’s most “gay‑friendly” police forces.

Hampshire Constabulary has been contacted for comment.