More than 60 members from across Queensland have gathered in Brisbane for a two-day awareness course to provide discrete support and non-judgemental advice to the LGBTI+ community on police-related matters.
Upon completion, they will join the more than 150 existing LGBTI liaison officers working in police stations around the state.
The program delivered to the 63 sworn and unsworn members will encompass topics that directly impact the LGBTIQ+ community including mental health, domestic and family violence, youth issues, experiences of transgender people and support for intersex people.
LGBTI Liaison Program State Coordinator Sergeant Rodney Bell said he was impressed by the support the program was receiving around the state.
“We have had members from all around Queensland register for this course, which not only shows a need for the program in all areas of the state, but also demonstrates the commitment our Districts have made to improve experiences for members of the LGBTIQ+ community,” Sergeant Bell said.
“We have sworn police, Police Liaison Officers and administration officers attending this course – all of whom are open to learning how they can better support people who identify as LGBTIQ+.
“The more we can raise awareness within the QPS of the particular issues faced by LGBTIQ+ people, the better we can work to address their areas of concern and prevent discrimination or vilification.”
Senior Constable Tara Buckley from Cairns Police Station said the program would assist her in providing valuable support to diverse people in her city.
“As a general duties police officer, I encounter a variety of people each day, all of whom have diverse needs and experiences we can assist with,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to using what I’ve learned through this course to provide better support to LGBTIQ+ people in Cairns and throughout Queensland.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and that they can approach police when they need us.
“It is up to us as the QPS to take a step towards better understanding the struggles everyday people experience and provide a service to address those issues.”
