Home   >   Opinion   >   Community-opinion   >   Our GLLO focus

Our GLLO focus

By on August 11, 2011

Victoria has a diverse population representing many cultures, religions and groups. 

Victoria Police is committed to ensuring equality and fairness to the community it serves.  Victoria Police has an ongoing commitment to improving its relationship with the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) communities and to addressing specific issues affecting the community.

Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers play an important role in improving relationships and increasing trust between police and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

Gay and Lesbian Advisory Unit has recently run a four-day GLLO training course in June for prospective Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs).

This has enabled us to double the number of members holding the GLLO portfolio across the state. The GLLO course has been developed in conjunction with La Trobe University and is conducted in partnership with various peek bodies within the GLBTI community.

So how can Victoria Police GLLOs assist you?

There are now GLLOs at various police stations throughout the state, including rural and metropolitan areas.

Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers are specially trained in GLBTI issues.  They have knowledge of GLBTI communities and are sensitive to the issues each community faces in the following areas such as:

•Prejudice motivated crime
•Same-sex relationship family violence
•Stalking
•Assaults
•Sexual assaults
•Abusive phone calls
•Neighbourhood harassment
•Beats and sex on premises venues
•Rural and metropolitan differences
•Same Sex and Gender Questioning Youth
•HIV
•Transgender
•Intersex
•Current Police and GLBTI community partnerships
•Available support agencies and referral services

Victoria Police GLLOs can assist by providing discrete, non judgemental advice and assistance in the reporting of crimes.

GLLOs do not actively investigate the crime.  By calling a GLLO, victims can discuss the incident then work out the most suitable process for the matter to be reported. 

The GLLO can also provide expert advice and assistance to police investigators.

GLLOs have good knowledge of and links to many service providers within the GLBTI community.  GLLOs are able to make recommendations for appropriate support services.

Members of the GLBTI community, family or friends can contact a GLLO anonymously to discuss issues, obtain advice or advise of incidents occurring in the community.

However, any police member in Victoria is able to take a report of crime.  You can contact any police station to do this.  If the matter is urgent you should telephone ‘000’

A full list of GLLOs can be found in the download area on www.police.vic.gov.au

And type in the search bar the world “GLLO”.

Over the next few months we will introduce you to a number of our new GLLO’s.

By Acting Sergeant Electra Wellens, Victoria Police Gay and Lesbian Advisory Unit

About Andie Noonan

You must be logged in to post a comment Login