LGBTQ+ community asked for views on policing in West Mercia
West Mercia Police are holding an online event for LGBTQ+ people to find out how they can provide input into local policing.
The force has a number of Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs), made up of members of the community who give feedback on aspects of policing work.
They provide scrutiny for issues such as hate crime, stop and search and use of force, and can help advise police during major investigations.
One group, the LGBT+ IAG, will be holding a Zoom meeting on Tuesday from 6pm to 7.30pm, for people to find out more about getting involved.
The session will include an introduction from Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones and a history of policing and the LGBT+ community.
It will also look at the force’s LGBT+ staff network, Pride in West Mercia, LGBT+ IAG members’ experiences of hate crime and the police, as well as an overview of what people joining the group can expect, and a Q&A.
ACC Jones said: “We want to be inclusive in all areas of policing. I would encourage as many members of our LGBTQ+ communities as possible to join us on the Zoom meeting, and find out more about how they can scrutinise and influence the activities and policies of West Mercia Police. Their experiences and insight is vital to us, particularly on issues such as hate crime, community relations and engagement, and equality and diversity matters.
“Taking part in this initial meeting does not mean you are committing to joining the group, but we are hopeful that from amongst those who attend, we can form the membership of a reinvigorated, dynamic and constructive LGBT+ IAG.”
To book a place email katrina.gilman@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
