Hamilton Police Service expands role of Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer

By

Published June 23, 2021 at 4:17 pm

screenshot_2021-06-23_12

The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) announced Wednesday (June 23) that its Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer will have an expanded role.

Sergeant Rebecca Moran was appointed the first Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Liaison officer in February 2020. Originally a part-time role, Moran’s role will now be in a full-time capacity.

“The community told us the Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Officer needed to be a full-time position and we listened,” says Moran. “For many in the community, this position is important since knowing there is someone in the service they can reach out to that understands their lived experience, can help victims of crime feel more comfortable coming forward.”

Moran will also lead the Police Liaison Team program, which consults with diverse communities to develop connections while working closely with the Community Relations Coordinator and Equity Diversity and Inclusion Specialist.

“This is our commitment to building trusting and collaborative relationships as together we can set the foundation for change moving forward. Relationships with our communities are essential checks and balances that ensure we are truly serving our diverse communities,” says Chief Bergen.

The HPS says it will be establishing community advisory tables, allowing for specific, dedicated engagement based on lived experiences.

“These conversations may further identify the need for community-specific police liaison officers,” said HPS.

Police are currently developing a survey for the Two-Sprit and LGBTQIA+ communities that are expected to be distributed later this summer.

“To ensure that community members feel safe to respond fully and that their confidentiality is protected, Hamilton Police have engaged McMaster University to be the independent third party administrator of the survey,” said HPS.

Dr. Tina Fetner, Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology, will be leading the collection and thematic analysis of responses, according to police.

HPS will be holding a Q and A session with Sergeant Moran Thursday (June 24) at 10 a.m. on its Instagram account: @hamiltonpoliceontario

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising