Uniformed Queensland Police officers were proud to march in the Brisbane Pride Festival on Saturday, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the relationship between the QPS and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community.
LGBTI liaison officer Sergeant Ben Bjarnesen said there was a high level of excitement and buzz in the lead up to the event and on the day.
"The Brisbane Pride Festival is a big celebration. Marching in uniform for the first time last year was a momentous occasion for the QPS. And we were honoured to be back again.
"Marching at this event was two-pronged for the QPS. It shows our support for community members who identify with the LGBTI community. It also shows the QPS support for QPS officers and staff members who identify as LGBTI themselves.
"It shows that the QPS provides assistance to all areas of the community, impartially, independently and unaligned.
"Our LGBTI liaison officers are a very committed group. Many have been instrumental in improving services, support and access to police for LGBTI people.
"As LGBTI liaison officers, we are really passionate about showing LGBTI people to have the confidence to be themselves.
"Officers from all over the state came to march. We’ve been very busy spreading the word.
"We also had a number of non-LGBTI QPS members marching who took the opportunity to show support for their colleagues and for diversity."
Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart said it was vital for a police service to reflect the communities they police.
"We have a very diverse community – we embrace and value that diversity," Commissioner Stewart said.
"Marching at the Brisbane Pride Festival shows our support for the LGBTI community as well as our own QPS officers and staff who identify as LGBTI themselves."
The LGBTI liaison program began in 1997 to establish and maintain effective liaison between police and LGBTI communities. The program aims to develop appropriate policies and strategies to ensure equitable service across the state. As at June 2015, there were 100 LGBTI liaison officers across the state.
