Lesbian And Gay Liason Officer
The Dorset police have dedicated officers whose role is to liason with the lesbian and gay community. They encourage the reporting of crimes and incidents and to increase confidence in the police.
These officers include range of staff from across the whole county comprising uniform patrol, police staff, CID and management, some but not all of whom are gay and lesbian themselves.
Historically, evidence suggests that over the years these groups have felt mistrust of the police and excluded from the service we aspire to give to the general public. These developments mirror those at a national level demonstrating a need to effectively monitor and address all types of homophobic and transphobic crime and incidents whether they are verbal or physical. The reporting to police of homophobic and transphobic incidents is vastly under reported and the LGBT Liaison Officers are here to help address this.
The Bournemouth and Poole Division has a larger group of LGBT Liaison Officers, a reflection of the LGBT community in Bournemouth that is now recognised as being the fourth largest in the country.
The Head of Partnership and Diversity Chairs the multi agency group which meets quarterly and includes representatives from Dorset Police and agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Gay Men's Health, Dorset Lesbian and Gay Helpline and Body Positive, to ensure that a non-police perspective is heard.
What is homophobic incident?
"Any incident which is perceived to be Homophobic by the victim or any other person".
What is a transphobic incident?
“Any incident which is perceived to be Transphobic by the victim or any other person".
Homophobic Abuse?
If you see it, feel it, hear it... REPORT IT.
What Next?
There is an answerphone available based at Over the Rainbow for anyone to contact Dorset Police with information and/or to report any homophobic incidents on 01202 269911.
This is especially valuable for people who for whatever reason don't feel able to walk into a police station to do this and for anonymous and third party reporting.
LAGLO 24 hour help line - 01202 269911
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