Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues

Introduction

The NSW Police Force is committed to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities by:

• Encouraging and supporting these communities in reporting incidents of violence, crime and anti-social behaviour towards or involving members of the community;
• Ensuring the provision of high quality, professional policing services;
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships;
• Ensuring a supportive workplace for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and those performing gay and lesbian liaison duties.

The Mardi Gras Festival

The NSW Police Force has participated in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since 1996.

Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs) participate in a range of events including Fair Day in Victoria Park and the Mardi Gras Parade in Darlinghurst.

During these events, information in posters, postcards, fact sheets, stickers and related promotional material are distributed to build trust and confidence in policing services and encourage greater reporting of incidents of abuse and violence.

The NSW Police Band also takes part in the events.

This year the theme is 'reporting all violence to the police' highlighting a key priority for the NSW Police Force to increase the reporting of crime.

This theme is reflected in a reporting campaign that the NSW Police Force is conducting in partnership with ACON - the key gay and lesbian community organisation in NSW.

NSW Government Policy on Preventing Violence Against Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People

The NSW Police Force is now a key partner in a whole of government Strategic Framework 2007 - 2012 Working Together: Preventing violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people - www.safetypartnership.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Police Force policy on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues has been revised and updated in line with the priorities listed in this Strategic Framework document and the State Plan. This draft document is currently being finalised following extensive consultation and will be released later this year.