SUFFOLK Police has appointed 14 officers to liaise with the gay community.

SUFFOLK Police has appointed 14 officers to liaise with the gay community.

The role of the Gay Liaison Officers is to increase and improve the trust and confidence of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who work within the Constabulary and also those who live in Suffolk.

The GLOs, who will be based in locations across the county, will develop links with local LGBT groups and venues, provide advice, guidance and information to internal and external agencies, liaise with Victim Care Centres in helping to put victims of homophobic crimes in contact with support agencies and groups, and act as a point of contact between the police and LGBT people.

Rod Flory, diversity officer for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “There has been a history of distrust by members of the gay community in the police. I see the appointment of Gay Liaison Officers as one of the ways that we can get the message out to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people that Suffolk Constabulary is here for all the people of Suffolk.

“Crimes motivated by hate and prejudice, particularly those against gay and transgendered people, are under reported. I see the appointment of GLOs as a way to increase and improve trust and confidence in our service, giving those who are victims or witness the confidence to report incidents.”

Are you a member of the gay community who has been the victim of a hate crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.