Crime Stoppers honours police GLLOs

Victoria Police’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs) have received the S.I. “Mick” Miller Award from Crime Stoppers for their work with the LGBTI community to reduce and prevent crime.

Program head Sergeant Electra Wellens accepted the award on behalf of the unit, and spoke to Star Observer about what the GLLOs have achieved.

“For us it’s a statement of recognition of the importance of community partnerships,” said Wellens, explaining that the involvement from Victoria’s LGBTI community has been key to the program’s success.

Wellens said it was an achievement simply that the program was still going, given budget cuts in other areas of Victoria Police, but she also said there was still a lot of work to do

“Under-reporting remains an issue for the community, and we need to stay on top of it,” she said.

“We understand there’s a variety of barriers for people as to why they can’t report certain things, especially around their sexuality. That can stop them reporting incidents, especially around beat activity.”

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact the Victoria Police GLLOs on (03) 9247 6944.