Police officer tasked to deal with LGBTI issues

SENIOR Constable Tara Stanton is a member of the Mackay District Tactical Crime Squad, but she's also trained as the town's liaison officer for LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) people.

Yet despite having been trained in the latter role for three years, she's had just one person come to her with LGBTI-related issues.

Snr Const Stanton said it could be due to a lack of public awareness of the role.

What exactly is a LBGTI liaison officer?

It's just to be the liaison for Mackay to assist with the LGBTI community. They feel that sometimes they're not being heard. The struggle within the community is not always understood by all the police officers who haven't done the course themselves.

We've got courses for many different cultures, to make officers more aware of what's going on in the community.

Is it just for people who are already dealing with police?

No, it's for anybody in the community. I've spoken to people who just want an ear to listen to what their concerns are. Maybe sometimes if they're having rallies or want to get together, they'll ask LGBTI officers.

What are the main issues facing LGBTI people that would make them want to speak to a liaison officer?

I think the main reason… is they would feel they would have more understanding and empathy in relation to their lifestyle. It's just that comfortable feeling.

How are you taught to treat the issues in the course?

If it's a personal issue or an issue that's been raised within the community, obviously we can try and organise an open forum or assist in some communications where we might be able to help.

Like family issues?

Yeah. Obviously help resolve any issues that there might be. If it's a criminal offence, then we deal with it a different way. In my time in Mackay, I've never had anyone raise a criminal complaint in relation to an offence that's occurred just because they're LBGTI.

Do you think Mackay is a fairly tolerant place to live?

I believe so. I've only had one person come and see me. There's been a massive progression of acceptance over the years.

I've seen a great progression in many different areas… through my policing career, which has been over 14 years now.

Are you hoping the role creates positive change?

I think anything that leads to a more positive and more understanding way that the community may think could never be a negative thing. It could only be a positive thing.

Knowledge is the key to help people become more tolerant.

Do you encourage people to use the service?

If any person was going to come to the station, if there's a way I can assist them or follow up and send them to an agency that might be able to assist them, I'm happy to be that link.

To speak with an LGBTI liaison officer, send an email to LGBTIProgram. Mackay@police.qld.gov.au or call Policelink 131444 and ask to speak with an LGBTI liaison officer.