Here's how you can meet Hertfordshire Police's LGBT+ Liaison Officers

Hertfordshire Police’s LGBT+ Liaison Officers will once again be attending this year’s Herts Pride to support the county’s LGBT+ community.

Taking place on Saturday, August 14, between midday and 10pm in Watford’s Cassiobury Park, Herts Pride is an important date in the constabulary’s calendar and it is attended by officers every year.

As with past events, the constabulary will be hosting a stall where residents can gain advice and support from LGBT+ Liaison Officers.

These are officers who are specially trained to help the LGBT+ community and they work hard to encourage the reporting of hate crimes.

Amongst their many aims, their role involves raising awareness of the issues faced by the LGBT+ community with their colleagues across the wider workforce.

This helps the police to provide the LGBT+ community with the service they need and deserve.

The constabulary is committed to supporting all diverse communities and it also has a dedicated LGBT+ Network that works to develop good relations with the local community.

The network also has an internal focus, helping to make the workplace more inclusive for LGBT+ colleagues.

Those interested in starting a career with the constabulary will be able learn more about the network at Herts Pride, with many of the network’s members coming along to celebrate at the event.

The rainbow car, a fully operational patrol vehicle emblazoned with a rainbow design, will also be there as a visible reminder of the constabulary’s support for the LGBT+ community.

Superintendent Clare Smith, from the Criminal Justice and Custody Command, is the constabulary’s Strategic Lead for LGBT+.

She said: “Herts Pride is always a highlight in our calendars and we’re especially excited after 2019’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Our friendly and supportive LGBT+ Liaison Officers will be on hand to answer any questions and we want to hear your views. What are the issues affecting you? How can we help?

“Please do pop along to our stall and say hello. There’ll be lots of information and crime prevention advice, not to mention some freebies too! If you’re keen to start a career with us, you’ll be able to find out about our recruitment opportunities.

"We believe that a diverse workforce is a more productive workforce and we’d love to see applications from our local LGBT+ community.

“It’s been a tough year and I want you to know that you’re not alone; we are always listening and there to support you in every way we can.”

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “It is important that we value having a diverse workforce which represents the communities we serve.

"This increases the level of trust between the police and the public to ensure fair policing for all.

“I am pleased to see the force also focusing on how it supports and develops LGBT staff and officers which ensures that it continues to be an attractive prospect for future employees no matter what their sexual orientation.”

Reporting hate crime

Hate crimes are crimes like any other, but that have the added distinction that the victim was targeted because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Victims and witnesses can report incidents to police without fear via the non-emergency number 101, online or 999 if a crime is on-going.

Victims can be reassured that they will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

For more information about hate crime, including how to report it and where to get support go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hertsagainsthate.

How to contact an LGBT+ Liaison Officer

LGBT+ Liaison Officers can be reached by calling the non-emergency number 101 or by contacting police online. In an emergency or if a crime is on-going, report it immediately by calling 999.

The support of an LGBT+ Officer can then be requested if required. To contact an LGBT+ Officer in your local area for non-urgent advice ring 101 and ask to leave a message for them to contact you.