This in from the Police in their own words. Ed
A new film is encouraging victims who’ve been targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity to report the incident to the police.
Hampshire Constabulary is using a video on YouTube to promote the work of its Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs).
The film tells the story of a man who’s subjected to homophobic abuse outside a bar in Portsmouth and the support he later receives.
Written by a LAGLO
It was the idea of staff at the Force Enquiry Centre and was written by Enquiry Officer Jocelynne Kingsford, herself a LAGLO.
Joc said, “Many people who contact the police to report this sort of abuse are concerned that they might be wasting police time. That’s simply not the case.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve been shouted at, called names, assaulted or intimidated in the street, in a bar or at a football match, for example. We want to know about it.
“As the film shows, you can call us on 101, or 999 if it’s happening now, and ask to speak to a LAGLO. We will make sure one is able to respond to your call as soon as possible.”
Used for training too
The film is also being used to train constabulary staff about the role of LAGLOs and issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Joc runs LAGLO surgeries across Portsmouth including in the HB bar where part of the film was shot. She said: “I’d like to thank the staff at the HB for allowing us to film in the bar as well as the Collingwood RSC, the drama group who kindly provided their acting services to appear in the film.”
Reporting homophobic, biphobic and transphobic incidents
You don’t have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to be the victim of a homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incident.
You can also report one on behalf of someone else, for example if you’ve witnessed the abuse or someone you know has been affected.
If it’s happening now, and for all emergencies, call police on 999. You can also call police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. You can also report incidents online via the third-party True Vision site.
(Given the nature of some of the comments left on previous articles related to this subject, we’ve taken the rare decision to turn off comments. Ed)
