Today a Rainbow Flag will be raised for the first time at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Hertfordshire in support of IDAHOBiT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia). In recognition of the day countywide by Hertfordshire Constabulary, flags will also be flown at Police Headquarters as well as select police stations such as Hatfield and Stevenage.
 
IDAHOBiT Day was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT people internationally who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms. May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, and has established itself the single most important date for LGBTI communities to mobilise and unite on a worldwide scale in recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression.
 
Today Hertfordshire Constabulary have marked the day by sharing details of nearly a dozen of the force’s 80 Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs) – police officers and staff who have been specially trained to support people from LGBT communities. All police officers are able to support the LGBT community, but LAGLOs are in place to provide extra understanding. They work in encouraging the LGBT community to report homophobic incidents to police and advise and support LGBT victims and witnesses of crimes or incidents. They have a wider role in raising awareness amongst colleagues about the needs of the LGBT community and can be requested by anyone in the event of making contact with police.  
 
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd, said: “Homophobia, transphobia and biphobia still exists in our community and raising the flag at my office shows my support of these groups. I commend the Constabulary’s positive engagement with the LGBT community, particularly through the work of LAGLOs.
 
“It is unacceptable for people to be treated unjustly because of who they are or what they believe in. Hate Crime often has a devastating effect on victims, witnesses and their families. I am pleased to underline the great work of our trained officers who provide round the clock, tailored, practical and emotional support via services such as Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre, Beacon.”


Read more on the Constabulary’s round up of IDAHOBiT and find out more about Hertfordshire Constabulary’s LAGLO team here: http://www.herts.police.uk/hertfordshire_constabulary/diversity/laglos/laglos_profiles.aspx