Herts Police LGBT+ Network to host stall at Herts Pride

The Herts Police LGBT+ Network is once again looking forward to hosting a stall at this year’s Herts Pride.

The event will be taking place in Watford’s Cassiobury Park on Saturday 20 August between midday and 10pm.

The Herts Police LGBT+ Network is a support group that works to help the county’s LGBT+ community. It achieves this through regular contact with local LGBT+ groups and raising awareness throughout the year about LGBT+ hate crime. Members of the group also give operational advice to colleagues working on cases affecting the LGBT+ community.

Saturday’s stall will be run by members of the Network as well a number of the constabulary’s LGBT+ Liaison Officers – many of whom are also from the LGBT+ community and are part of the Network. Their role is to provide an extra layer support for victims who report hate crimes or hate incidents and they are specially trained to carry out the role.

Chief Inspector Steve Alison, who is Chair of the Herts Police LGBT+ Network, said: ‘If you’re thinking about coming to Pride, please do pop along to our stall and say hello. We’ll be able to explain more about how we can help you and if you have any concerns this will be an opportunity to let us know.

‘Our Network also has an internal focus and we are passionate about creating and nurturing a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you’re thinking about joining the police, whether as an officer or in a staff role, we’d be more than happy to have a chat with you about the opportunities available.

‘We wish the LGBT+ community a safe and happy Pride and we look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday.’

Reporting hate crime

Hate crimes are crimes like any other, but that have the added distinction that the victim was targeted because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Victims and witnesses can report incidents to police without fear via the non-emergency number 101, online at herts.police.uk/Report or 999 if a crime is on-going. Victims can be reassured that they will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

For more information about hate crime, including how to report it and where to get support go to hertsagainsthate.org.

How to contact an LGBT+ Liaison Officer

LGBT+ Liaison Officers can be reached by calling the non-emergency number 101 or online at herts.police.uk/contact. In an emergency or if a crime is on-going, report it immediately via 999. The support of an LGBT+ Officer can then be requested if required. Police will treat what you tell them sensitively and in confidence.

To contact an LGBT+ Officer in your local area for non-urgent advice ring 101 and ask to leave a message for them to contact you.