25 years of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program

‘25 years and GLLO-ing’ NSW Police celebrates GLLO anniversary as 2015 Mardi Gras is officially launched The NSW Police Force is marking 25 years of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) program as the 2015 Mardi Gras kicks off in Sydney. A history installation ’25 years and GLLO-ing’ was unveiled today (Friday 20 February 2015), at the Sydney Police Centre, Goulburn Street, Surry Hills. The installation, which is open to members of the public, gives a unique insight into the history and accomplishments of the GLLO program. A mobile version of the installation will be on display inside Town Hall this evening from 5.30pm, as Lord Mayor Clover Moore officially launches the 2015 Mardi Gras at the sixth annual Rainbow Flag Raising Ceremony. The Lord Mayor will be joined by NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Sexuality and Gender Diversity Superintendent Tony Crandell who will launch the ’25 years and GLLO-ing’ initiative. The GLLO program was established in 1990 across six metropolitan commands within the NSW Police Force after years of lobbying by advocacy groups seeking improved relationships between police and the LGBTI community. There are now more than 200 GLLOs across NSW; 176 have been appointed at the local area command (LAC) level and there are 33 within specialist area commands. GLLOs undertake training where they gain knowledge about numerous issues affecting LGBTI communities including bias crime, domestic violence and the challenges facing young, transgender and intersex people when seeking support. Liaison officers also play an important role during community events including Wear it Purple Day, International Day Against Homophobia and Transgender Day of Remembrance. Superintendent Tony Crandell said the GLLO program owes its inception to dedicated individuals and groups who advocated to address important issues within the gay and lesbian community. “The GLLO program is the result of their commitment in lobbying the government and the police to establish appropriate contact officers within the community,” Supt Crandell said. “The NSW Police now have one of the most inclusive policies on LGBTI issues of any police jurisdiction and today we recognise and celebrate 25 years of ‘GLLO-ing.’ “There are six regional sponsors in addition to more than 200 GLLOs, which illustrates the great success of this program across more than 75 LACS in NSW. “We’ve developed rewarding relationships with members and stakeholders within LGBTI communities and the annual Mardi Gras festival is a wonderful demonstration of that collaboration. “I congratulate everyone involved in the history installation, which is a fantastic compilation of the GLLO program’s achievements that have – up until now – been stored as paper-based files only. “The work will be on display outside the Sydney Police Centre for the next two weeks, while a mobile version will also be installed at key events throughout the year, including Fair Day (Sunday 22 February 2015),” Supt Crandell said. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the NSW Police Force’s GLLO program has created a positive relationship between the police and the LGBTI community. “The program places LGBTI police liaisons across NSW to provide support for LGBTI victims of crime and to encourage greater reporting of crime, abuse and assault in the LGBTI community. “Sydney’s embrace of Mardi Gras, and the flying of the flag above Sydney Town Hall shows the world that our city is a safe, accepting and welcoming city for all people.”