LGBTIQ+ liaison officers (LLO) have been stationed at Whittlesea police station as part of a statewide rollout of more than 500 officers.
Police said the LLOs are officers who serve as contact points for the state’s rainbow community – and work hard to enhance the mutual trust and respect between LGBTIQ+ communities and police.
They provide advice on personal safety and protection, help with reporting crime, and support in navigating police services and links to relevant social services for LGBTIQ+ Victorians, according to police.
The first LLO was stationed at Melbourne East police station, before expanding across the entire state to police stations including in Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Horsham, Swan Hill, Echuca, Shepparton, Morwell, Bairnsdale, Sale, Whittlesea and Mornington.
LGBTIQ+ Victorians can speak to any police officer to seek help or report a crime. However, LLOs offer another level of reassurance and support to members of LGBTIQ+ communities if they wish to informally discuss their choices or seek help through the reporting process.
Victoria Police said it works closely with LGBTIQ+ communities to enhance trust and improve relationships to increase access to policing services for LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
