On 7th March 2001 a mile stone in official relations took place with community liaison representatives John and Fiona meeting up with Sergeant Gary Hardman and Constable Mike Ward. The Lesbian & Gay Police Liaison Committee was set up in 2001 with elections taking place for community reps.

Gary and Mike were keen to exchange views and wanted community representatives on board for the next police training sessions to give newly recruited officers an insight into the Lesbian and Gay communities in the Island. Since then gay and lesbian volunteers have attended police training and had input on the training given to new officers about LesBiGay sensibilities and the crimes we face.

At its second meeting the committee discussed outreach to men who have sex with men in public places. We already have an undertaking that TV in cubicles will not happen again due to The Human Rights Act 2000. There is a plan, along with the GUM clinic to do outreach work with safer sex info and materials.

Another important topic has been the inclusion of the Police Federation Rep so we can ensure that there is adequate support for Lesbian and Gay officers in the force. Contact has already been made with Inspector Ian Ferguson of the Met and the Lesbian and Gay Police Association, who comes from the Island and returns frequently to see his family.

Finally the committee intends to tackle hate crime especially Homophobic hate crime. The committee has devised a policy which makes anonymous and third party reporting possible via the committee for any of its members. Even if you don't feel up to appearing in court at least crimes can be recorded, investigated and resources concentrated to ensure risk is minimised and our community kept safe. If you do suffer a gay hate crime rest assured you will be treated with care compassion and understanding. You will be offered Victim Support services and most of all you will get anonymity. Remember the trial of a teacher from King Williams, well his victims had their right to keep their identities private respected and it worked.