On Monday July 28, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community will have an opportunity to meet representatives from Merseyside Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discuss homophobia and hate crime. The meeting, organised by the Police, the CPS, Terrence Higgins Trust, Wirral LGBT forum and TransWirral will be held from 6.30 -8.30pm at The Lauries Centre in Birkenhead.

The open meeting, ‘Merseyside Police and Hate Crime response’ allows members of the LGBT community to meet directly with representatives of Merseyside Police and the CPS to address concerns around homophobic and transphobic incidents and other safety concerns.  Homophobic incidents and attacks are often under reported and this meeting will provide a forum for open and honest dialogue.

The meeting will be attended by the Wirral Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Jon Ward and Detective Sergeant Mark Watson who works in the hate crime unit. Also present will senior representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Ewan Jenkins, Regional Manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the North West said “In order to tackle hate crime the police and the LGBT community must work together. With a lot of homophobic abuse and attacks going unreported, it’s essential that relationships are strengthened. The police are committed to increasing trust and ensuring that the policing provided for the LGBT community is effective. The aim is to make these meetings a regular event so concerns can be raised and incidents reported.”

The ‘meet the police’ open meeting for the LGBT community is being held on July 28, from 6.30-8.30pm at The Lauries Centre, Claughton Road, Birkenhead, CH41 4NG

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