Hampshire Constabulary L.G.B. and T. IAG

Hampshire Constabulary is committed to reducing the fear of crime and making public places safer. Incidents of a homophobic or transphobic nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

One of the greatest facilitators of change is communication, and in order to enable this Hampshire Constabulary recently formed an L.G.B. and T. Independent Advisory Group at county level. Under Assistant Chief Constable Pryde, and supported by Chief Inspector Shaw, the priority for this group is Critical Incident management (the strategies deployed in major and life threatening situations)- the sort of situation that could be both metaphorically and literally explosive for our communities.

In such situations it may be difficult to predict the fall out and collateral damage within a population, or, for diverse reasons, hard to respond with empathy whilst at the same time keeping task orientated and making things safe. The situations affecting our communities where it can be all too easy to criticise with hindsight, or judge something ill met when one is not in possession of all the facts.

Independent Advisory Groups are designed to improve communications between police and those communities who find dialogue difficult because they

a)      are usually excluded ( for example by different language, cultural barriers, being socially invisible or socially stigmatized)

b)      find it difficult to engage in proactive dialogue ( e.g. through fear or suspicion)

c)      find it challenging to listen ( perhaps historically critical of police)

The role of the IAG is to contribute to the prevention of critical incidents and minimise the adverse affects of such incidents where they arise - through providing a community perspective via direct liaison with police.

The police have recognised that increased communication with minorities can lead to a more appropriate and effective policing approach and therefore safer and more comfortable communities.

IAG s comprise volunteer members of the public who have an interest in social cohesion and community safety. Case-work is of course necessarily confidential and all members of the IAG go through high level vetting to insure this remains so.

As Assistant Chief Constable Pryde said at Hampshire’s L.G.B. and T IAG meeting in May

“Our (the IAG) job is to be better not bitter”

The community members of this IAG will be given the opportunity to observe police training, such as homicide briefing, firearms training, and the training of specialist LGB and T police officers (LAGLOs). They will also attend quarterly meetings when there will be opportunity to raise community issues and concerns, and indeed any experiences or examples of good practice.

Containing volatile situations is not easy; rage can sometimes transpose from one flashpoint incident across to other communities. Drop a weight into a pond and there are ripples. Part of the work of an IAG is to predict and advise on ripples so that they do not become tidal waves.

The group has already learned that in the event of a major incident the police operate a three strand response -

Gold - being the policy and principle making layer right at the top

Silver – being the interpretation of policy and principle into strategy

Bronze – being the action instigated by the preceding layers

Obviously time is of the essence and clear communications essential in such circumstance.

Hopefully critical incidents will remain infrequent, and with co-operation between our communities and the police the outcomes of those which may occur will be minimised - through effective community liaison and resulting good practice.

Members of the Mayflower Society are invited to talk with Tina about IAG related issues at the T @ Home meetings, or contact her by email. This is your chance to have your voice heard.

Don’t complain – be a voice for change

On a Personal note – should you have any incidents to report to the police at a more personal level

Know that

• By reporting hate crime you provide valuable information to the police which helps build a clearer picture of what is going on in your area;
• By reporting crime you provide the opportunity for the police to develop their patrolling strategies and thus catch offenders and prevent more crime;

Remember

• Left unreported, attackers are free to repeat similar offences;
• Some offenders think they can get away with harassment and other offences because they think they won't be reported.

There are 140 LAGLOs (Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers), located across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

LAGLOs are a mix of police officers and police staff who have special understanding and training on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. (It is not a prerequisite of the role to identify as LGBT but a number do.)Their role includes enhancing the relationship between the police and LGBT communities, in an effort to boost people's trust and confidence in coming forward to report hate crime incidents. They also work to develop ways in which the constabulary can improve its service delivery.

LAGLOs are available to provide advice to their colleagues about crime investigations and to people who identify as LGBT, as well as to work on specific incidents themselves.

For further insight into what Hampshire Constabulary is doing toward policing our communities and keeping us safe see http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/advice/lgbtpolicing.htm

Tina Livingstone