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Police To Review Trans Policy
Not sure if you remember the story of Brigitte Fell a couple of years ago, here’s something good that’s come from it
A quick re-cap: Bridgitte was bashed by her boyfriend at the time because he found out she was a post-op. The crime, well, 2 cops unlawfully accessed the police database and told the boyfriend about her which led to the bashing.
Sydney Star Observer – 22nd April 2009
A review of the NSW Police’s GLBT strategy will take another look at transgender issues after two Surry Hills officers were sentenced for disclosing sensitive information about a woman’s sex change.
Suspended officers Tyrone Stacey and Brendan Ritson were ordered to perform 125 hours of community service for unlawfully revealing to a man in custody that his girlfriend was transgendered in 2006.
Surry Hills Commander Donna Adney said she hoped the two constables never returned to her station.
“Everyone is equally appalled at what they did and nobody wants them back, especially me,†she told Sydney Star Observer.
“It is unconscionable to think a police officer would deliberately release that information for any purpose other than what it’s meant for. It goes against everything we do as police.â€
Stacey and Ritson’s own colleagues at the Surry Hills command were responsible for reporting the crime, charging them, and testifying against them in court.
Adney, who is also the NSW Police spokeswoman for gay, lesbian and transgender issues, said there was a need to incorporate more transgender concerns into the force’s GLBT strategy, which has just come up for review.
“That’s basically about trying to cover more stuff to do with transgender, because that’s becoming a little more common. So we need police to understand how to deal with transgender issues and people.â€
She confirmed the GLLO program is not at risk under the review.
The NSW Police are also participants in the whole-of-government strategic framework Working Together: Preventing Violence Against Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People. -
8 Replies
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Quote:Adney, who is also the NSW Police spokeswoman for gay, lesbian and transgender issues, said there was a need to incorporate more transgender concerns into the force’s GLBT strategy, which has just come up for review.
“That’s basically about trying to cover more stuff to do with transgender, because that’s becoming a little more common. So we need police to understand how to deal with transgender issues and people.â€Good to know! Its about time more a flexible and understanding approach is adopted by the Force – hopefully all the Nation’s Policing – to the GLBT community.
Thanks for the info Amy.
CLARE
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Quote:Good to know! Its about time more a flexible and understanding approach is adopted by the Force – hopefully all the Nation’s Policing – to the GLBT community
Hi Clare
Just to add, I had the pleasure of meeting Commander Donna Adney at a transgender debate around Mardi Gra time, she was at the debate and in full uniform.
I asked her questions about Trans people and the attitude the police have. She told me we’re in good hands, we have their support and also, they’re still working on a couple of things to better help and serve us.
I found her to be down to earth, sincere and very genuine
Amy
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Thank you Amy, I remember the story well and it’s quite comforting to hear that the police themselves have bought this unfortunate episode to a conclusion. Thank you.
Gwen -
At the markets last week I have had an older male person make a complaint about me mere breathing, living, having a stall, and having to share the female toilets with his grandkids, (The two times I used the toilets I was the only one there).
He told the market people that he would take the matter to the police. The police were contacted by the market manager as to explain the problem before the sillyness got out of hand. The police said that if my paper work was correct then I did not have a problem (ie letter from doctor and a female drivers licence)
The market manager then contacted me and asked if I would use the disabled toilet in the future to satifiy the man concerned. I reacted and explained that I would see them in court if they wanted to proceed in that line of conversation as I was not half a person. He back tracked very quickly and explaind that the markets were behind me and they had already had legial advice on the matter and they understood I was in the right.
I then contacted the police myself to find out where I stood on the matter, better to hear in person, and I was firstly told that the GLBT office left for good on friday and there was not talk of replacing her. The office also explained that there was no complaint layed as yet and if my drivers licence or anyother paper work was true that they would tell the man to “Pull his head in”
It did make me feel better that the police did treat me with respect in this matter, but am not looking forward to the day that I have officers on my door step have having to go though the nightmare again. Pity the GLBT office was not there anymore as I am sure she would be able to stop the sillyness before it got that far.
It did make me think that I should really make myself known to the local GLBT officer in my home town (if they have one lol) as to stop this type of behaviour before it even starts.
xxxx
Kelly Jones
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Hi Kelly
Sorry to hear that, don’t you just hate that when that happens!
Unfortunately there will always be immature and ignorant people in our societyI think you handled it well
Amy
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Hi Amy, just to let you know that I have read another article from another source basically going over the same matter but without your authors comments. As you know I rencently came out to my HR dept and our Indigenous & Community Diversity Unit of which I am now forwarding on a weekly basis a document with various news links similar to what we have both read.
The gentleman that I am dealing with at the ICDU was so greatful for that article that a few hours later it was posted on the work bulletin board.
I certainly would not have those officers working in any of the stations that I work in.
I will find the link for your article and send it to him as well.
Hugs
Stef
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Hi Steph
That’s so great to know! Congrats, I feel so happy for you!You know what, when I fist came out I was so scared of discrimination in the workplace and whatever, but now it feels so normal? Go figure??
Yes, they all know I am a trans and they’ve all seen my photos!!!
Anyone who is reading this post, don’t be afraid, come out and finally be yourself to everyone, you’ll feel a lot happier and so much more full of life!!
Amy
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Hi Steph & all
Sorry, I kinda have taken this thread off topic. I though we were in the “Coming Out’ section. My apologies…And I can’t even edit my post…
Amy
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