LGBTI-BBQ! Liaison officers sizzle with pride

As an initiative of the Brisbane Regions LGBTI Community Consultative Committee, LGBTI Liaison Officers hosted a BBQ for members of the community to come and meet their local liaison officers, talk about the program and meet with other LGBTI support service providers in New Farm Park on Saturday, February 15.

Around 85 people attended throughout the afternoon, mingling and talking with LGBTI Liaison Officers who were in attendance, some of which appeared in their own time which shows just how passionate these officers are when it comes to supporting the LGBTI community.

It was great for the liaison officers to attend and chat to members of the public

Acting Sergeant Ben Bjarnesen said that the liaison officers all work hard to make members of the public feel more comfortable.

“Our LGBTI Liaison Officers work incredibly hard, often in their own time, to ensure that police are accessible and that our LGBTI communities feel safe and confident in reporting any matters to police or seeking their assistance if necessary,” Acting Sergeant Bjarnesen said.

“Whist many of the officers identify as part of our LGBTI communities themselves, there are also many allies.

“All these officers have undergone specialist training, giving them a greater understanding of the issues that can impact LGBTI communities and the barriers that can prevent them from reporting matters to police.

“Events like today help us to break down those barriers and build community confidence in police.”

Not only were LGBTI Liaison Officers in attendance but an appearance by the Queensland Police Mounted Unit also drew a crowd! Plenty of people took the opportunity to stop and get a photo with them.

The Queensland Police Service is committed to ensuring policing services are accessible to all members of the community.

Police work closely with LGBTI communities to develop partnerships, awareness and understanding of impacting issues.

The QPS Mounted Unit drawing in a crowd

The LGBTI Liaison Program provides a professional, non-discriminatory, accessible policing service to members of the LGBTI communities. This is achieved by:

  • developing an awareness and understanding of LGBTI communities,
  • developing partnerships with LGBTI communities,
  • ensuring equality, accountability and professionalism in our contact with LGBTI communities, and
  • improving service delivery to LGBTI communities.

LGBTI Liaison Officers are located throughout the state and undertake the role in addition to their regular duties.

Liaison officers can provide support and assistance to LGBTI community members when dealing with police matters.

Plenty of people stopped for a photo including Acting Sergeant Bjarnesen

It is important to note that all police related issues or complaints from LGBTI community members can be reported to any police officer or via Policelink.

If however, you wish to speak to an LGBTI Liaison Officer, please advise the officer taking your complaint or contact Policelink on 131 444 who will identify a liaison officer in your local area.

Additional information and names of LGBTI Liaison Officers in your local area can also be found on the Queensland Police Service Website: police.qld.gov.au/lgbti-communities

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