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LGBTI Police Liaison Programs and Service Provision: the Key Issues for LGBTI People in Two Australian States

Thu, Nov 16, 12:30 to 1:50pm, Marriott, Franklin 13, 4th Floor

Abstract

This paper examines the different ways that LGBTI people experience contact with police liaison officers in two states of Australia. We are currently in a climate where LGBTI police liaison services appear to be the dominant model for building relationships between police and LGBTI people, yet we know little about whether these services are making these connections and providing needed support. This paper analyses survey and interview data with LGBTI people about how they engage with these service enhancement programs. The data elaborate clearly that there is an apparent gap between LGBTI people having knowledge of these programs and the overall uptake of these programs. Furthermore, the interview data demonstrates the key barriers that LGBTI people experience when they seek support from LGBTI police liaison officers, with a lot of these being organisational barriers. It argues that addressing these barriers and improving this engagement is necessary if liaison services are to be maintained as the dominant model for building relationships between police and LGBTI people.

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