Police improve gay relations

Police are working closely with the gay community

A group representing gay people in the South West has said Devon and Cornwall Police have taken giant steps in the way they deal with the community.

The Intercom Trust has said the local force has proved to be very receptive.

However, the trust also said more work still needs to be done because of concerns that too many homophobic crimes still go unreported.

The onus is on us... to reach all communities

Peter Strawbridge, Devon and Cornwall Police

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said it is up to the force to reach out to the gay community more.

Dr Michael Halls from the Intercom Trust said Devon and Cornwall Police is one of the best in the country when it comes to reaching out to the gay community and dealing with gay issues.

The force has been working closely with groups representing the gay communities and it appears to be paying off.

There has been an increase in the number of crimes reported, but this is partly thought to be due to the more sympathetic attitude of the police.

Working closely

There are calls for the training to be spread to all officers, including force support staff such as special constables.

Community Safety Officer Peter Strawbridge says much of the success is due to working more closely with members of the community.

He said: "The onus is on us to make sure that we go out and reach all communities. That's what we're trying to do."

Dr Michael Halls said: "It's a success and we're impressed.

"I've worked all over the UK and I'd say Devon and Cornwall Police are at the cutting edge of fighting homophobic crime and listening to gay people in rural communities."