New course for police LGBT liaison officers

Date published: 31/07/2007

A new course designed for police officers and police staff to assist colleagues on issues affecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has been welcomed for taking Greater Manchester Police another step forward in being responsive to all the communities it serves.

The two-day LGBT Liaison Officer course has already been completed by 36 officers and staff and a further 40 are expected to take it before the end of this year. This is an on-going programme that is currently in its early stages.

Successful officers of the course take on the voluntary role of LGBT Liaison Officers and support and advise colleagues on matters that affect the LGBT community. The role also involves developing good community relations between the police and the local LGBT community.

Liaison Officers are expected to be a point of contact in particular incidents to provide a confidential and sensitive link between the police and the LGBT community.

They also provide information from the communities to help develop policies and best practice that combat hate crime and discrimination and promote a policing service that is fair and takes into account the needs of their LGBT community.

The course has been written, and is delivered by Sergeants Joanne Marshall and Julie Barnes-Frank who said: "Greater Manchester Police is committed to working towards serving all the communities in our county fairly, with respect and sensitivity. This course will help to spread awareness of LGBT issues, promote best practice and hopefully develop trust and confidence between GMP and the LGBT community."