A year of achievements in the NSWPF Communities - Sexuality, Gender Diversity and Intersex portfolio
Message from the Corporate Sponsor, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke APM:
The NSW Police Force is a diverse and inclusive organisation that proudly encourages and supports our LGBTIQ+ communities.
Police and LGBTIQ+ communities have shared at times a difficult past. We should not forget that past. In fact, it should shape our future, influencing the continued development of our relationship, continuing to build trust between Police and LGBTIQ+ communities today.
In recognising our history, the NSW Police Force continues its ongoing commitment to engage and work with LGBTIQ+ communities to ensure that we provide a safe environment for all.
The NSW Police Force will continue to celebrate differences, lead by example, be visibly supportive and inclusive of everyone.
Education and Training
- A total of 75 officers completed Gay Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) training this year with courses held in Sydney, Goulburn and Newcastle – driving our commitment to have more LGBTIQ+ Liaison officers in regional NSW.
- Recruit presentations: We presented to three (3) classes at the Academy in Goulburn with community stakeholders including 78ers Sydney WorldPride 2023, The Gender Centre and a Doctor from Macquarie University. All students undertake mandatory LGBTIQ+ training.
- The NSW Government and NSW Police Force launched a new Hate Crimes Awareness campaign to help prevent hate crimes and incidents across the state. The videos cover gender and sexuality-based hate crime, religious based hate crime and race-based hate crime.
Events:
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
In 2022, NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb, led the marching contingent in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This was the first time a Commissioner has marched, leading a contingent of 40 GLLO/ LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officers, allies and LGBTIQ+ staff. - IDAHOBIT
Held in May, Senior Constable Raad took part in the Out for Western Sydney IDAHOBIT Panel and networking event, answering questions from the community. - Wear it Purple
Held in August, NSWPF took part in over 40 community events across the state to raise awareness for inclusivity and show support for our rainbow youth. - Transgender Awareness Week
Held in November, began with our inaugural Transgender Flag raising event which was attended by Region Sponsors, Superintendents, GLLO/ LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officers and allies.
The flag was raised every day for that week to remind us of the need to be inclusive and supportive of transgender people in the community and at work.
Our LGBTIQ+ Employee Network - Pride in Police:
The NSW Police Force LGBTIQ+ employee network hosted several events in 2022, including a meeting with guest speaker- Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson from Victoria Police.
The network has over 60 members and is growing. The PRIDE in Police committee has also met twice already and planning is well underway for participation in Sydney WorldPride 2023 and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
This committee works alongside the GLLO Advisory Committee which meets at least 4 times annually to provide advice and direction on the GLLO/ LGBTIQ+ program and related LGBTIQ+ portfolio issues.
LGBTIQ+ Stakeholder Forums:
In September 2022, NSWPF hosted the first Western Region GLLO/LGBTIQ+ Conference in Broken Hill. The conference held by three Assistant Commissioners, brought together LGBTIQ+ Liaisons, local Aboriginal and LGBTIQ+ leaders from across the western region, to discuss the role of the LGBTIQ Liaison role and improving relationships and services for the communities they proudly serve.
Two community forums were conducted this year. These meetings continue to provide a valuable method of consultation and feedback for the NSWPF LGBTIQ portfolio.
Policy:
- Strategy on Sexuality, Gender Diversity and Intersex
Through consultation with members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other sexually or gender diverse (LGBTIQ+) communities across NSW, the NSW Police Force developed a strategy on Sexuality, Gender Diversity and Intersex, continuing its commitment to working in partnership with the community. This document is currently under review. - Transgender and Gender Diverse Employees Policy
In 2019, the NSW Police Force released its first ‘Transgender and Gender Diverse Employees Policy’ to support the growing number of staff and new employees identifying as gender diverse or transgender. - Beats Policy
NSWPF has reviewed this policy and updated the historical context to provide more meaningful background which will assist police in managing these locations. The intent of the policy remains ensuring the safety and security of all users of these public locations. The policy is now located under ‘B’ for Beats in the Police Handbook. - Person Search Policy
The policy has been updated to reflect the necessary considerations for Transgender and non-binary persons. This was developed in consultation with Transgender and non-binary employees and community stakeholders.
This policy addresses key health issues and priorities identified by transgender and gender diverse people across the state, including up to two weeks leave, in addition to standard leave entitlements, to support both them and their workplace through their transition.
Accompanying this policy are comprehensive management guides that are provided to Commands to support employees and teams throughout the process.
The NSW Police Force is a member of Pride in Diversity – a non-profit employer support organisation assisting a range of corporate and government agencies to become more inclusive and supportive of LGBTIQ+ staff.
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/policeglbti
Welcome Here Project
The NSWPF continues to be a member of ACON’s Welcome Here Project, promoting our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTIQ+ people in hundreds of stations across the state.
Guest Speaking and Conference Presentations
From 31 January to Friday 3 February 2023, sixteen (16) GLLO/ LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officers travelled to Melbourne, Victoria, to participate in the 3rd World LGBTIQ+ conference for Criminal Justice Professionals.
Held for the first time in Australia, the conference brought police, academics and LGBTIQ+ community members together from around the world to discuss challenges, solutions, and worldwide initiatives that provide the best programs, response, and services to the LGBTIQ+ communities.
One of our very own LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officers speaking on the significance of growth in diversity within the NSWPF.
NSW Parliamentary Inquiry on Gay and Transgender Hate Crimes
The Inquiry is tasked with reviewing the manner and cause of death in all unsolved suspected sexuality-based hate crime deaths in New South Wales between 1970 and 2010, where the victim was a member of the LGBTIQ+ communities, and the death was the subject of a previous investigation by the NSW Police Force.
The inquiry remains ongoing.