Police introduce new LGBTI training

The training, which is delivered by the Equality Network on behalf of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has been set up to help prevent hate crimes and increase public confidence in Police Scotland. The decision was made in light of research which showed that LGBTI hate crime is under reported.

Once the 60 officers have completed their training they will become part of a new network of LGBTI Liaison Officers who can be contacted by the public and “will be able to help and advise their colleagues across Police Scotland on LGBTI issues” the Kincardineshire Observer has reported.

“Tackling hate crime is a priority for Police Scotland. We are delighted to have worked with the Equality Network,” Superintendent Davie Duncan of Police Scotland’s Safer Communities Department said. “We hope that these specially trained officers will encourage more LGBTI people to come forward with confidence in Police Scotland.”

Scott Cuthbertson of the Equality Network said: “We know too many LGBTI people are the victims of hate crime, but we also know that many, for whatever reason, still do not report hate crimes. We want to change that.”

Words: Rhys Mathews