Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative (LGPI) meeting 3
Venue: Follies Bar
Whitworth St
Manchester
Date: 25th May 2000.
The meeting opened at 8.00 pm with a review of the previous meeting minutes and an introduction to new attendees namely Andrew from Bolton LGPI , Steve from West Yorks LGPI and Cliff / Steve from Greater Manchester Police.
It was stated that 10 surrounding Local Authorities have now got Lesbian and Gay contact officers and there are several Lesbian and Gay meeting groups in adjacent areas to Manchester , Bury and Oldham to name two. These groups are thought to be for the " more mature " end of the spectrum , the meetings take place in private homes.
Andrew from Bolton LGPI then gave an overview of the activities his group are involved with , these include:
- Liaison with GMP.
- Health promotion.
- Local Education Authority and Schools to promote awareness of hate crime.
- Equal opportunities and the promotion of L&G information to schools.
- Promoting awareness of homophobic bullying in schools and creating a Forum to address the problems.
Victim Support gave a brief outline of their involvement with LGPI and stated that they would be holding their own meeting in the future , the first one taking place at " The Manhattan Showbar" 23rd June , celebrity guests would be speaking and a good turnout should be expected.
GMP gave an update on their progress with local L&G issues and promoted the use of their web site for researching GMP Policy Statements etc. Also they answered questions from the floor on issues:
- The positioning of CCTV camera's in the Village and what they would be used for , the answer being to deter criminal activities especially violence to the L&G community , the resulting video tape could be used as evidence against perpetrators of hate crime.
- Cruising in Piccadilly Village and local resident's complaints.
- GMP policy on personal safety.
- GMP would continue to liaise with all factions of the local community and Local Authority .
Steve from West Yorks LGPI gave an overview of his committees work and stated that the same issues existed in the Leeds area . The subject matter discussed being:
- Provision of "Lay Panels" to look at hate crime.
- A "phased intervention approach" to complaint's made against the L&G community.
- Police training in L&G issues.
- Satisfaction measures of Police response to complaints from L&G community.
Steve also commented on LGPI funding , West Yorkshire Police
provide substantial funding to the local initiative.
Other issues covered were the Manchester Gay Fest and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual
awareness meeting at various local authority venues Oldham , Stockport and
Trafford being mentioned.
It was an excellent meeting with many questions raised and
answered eloquently by committee members and the Chair.