Queensland Police Service personnel from across the State 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.
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, encompasses 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.
State Coordinator of the LGBTI Liaison Program, Sergeant Rodney Bell said he was impressed by the support the program was receiving around the State.
“We had 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 had sworn police, Police Liaison Officers and administration officers attending this course — all of whom were open to learning how they could better support people who identify as LGBTIQ+.”
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,” Senior Constable Buckley 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.”
