DYFED-Powys Police is flying the rainbow flag above some of its buildings in February in support of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGB&T) history month.
LGB&T History Month takes place every year in February and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The theme for 2018 is ‘Geography – Mapping the World’ and Dyfed-Powys Police have LGB&T Liaison Officers working across the whole force area. They will work with victims of all crime (not just hate crime) and have received comprehensive training on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity. They are also trained to provide effective support to LGB&T victims of crime, including hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual abuse.
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Parmenter said: “In Dyfed-Powys Police we take crimes involving members of the LGB&T community extremely seriously.
“Our officers and staff have worked hard for many years to engage with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, to increase confidence and trust in our policing services. Flying the rainbow flag this month sends a clear message of support to our communities. We are encouraging people to engage with us and report crimes to us, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Angharad Lewis, Equality, Diversity and Welsh Language Manager said “The force Gender Identity Working group is continuing to deliver on the recommendations made last year to improve practices and procedures to ensure that Dyfed-Powys Police continues to provide a fair and equal service to all those we serve and employ.”
LGB&T Liaison Officers are now working out of stations right across the Ceredigion, Powys, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. If anyone in the LGB&T community is concerned about interactions they are having with someone, online or offline, an LGB&T Liaison Officer can be contacted by calling 101.
To find out more about LGB&T History month please visit http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk
