HAMPSHIRE'S police are set to recognise International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

On May 17, Hampshire Constabulary will be recognising recognising International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

The date marking IDAHOBIT was originally selected to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases from the World Health Organisation on May 17, 1990.

But now Hampshire Constabulary says it promotes LGBT inclusion through an active LGBT resource group and through its LAGLOs for Safer LGBT communities.

LAGLOs are police officers and police staff who have voluntarily received additional training to support and continue strengthening relationships between the police and the LGBT.

Co-chair of the Hampshire Constabulary LGBT+ Resource Group, Inspector Scott Johnson said: “LAGLOs help Hampshire Constabulary reinforce its approach for Safer LGBT+ communities. Our LAGLOs all have specific skills alongside extra experience and training to manage issues with our LGBT+ communities.

“Hate crimes and hate incidents can take place anywhere – at home, in the street, at work, online or at school. No one should have to live with the fear, anxiety and consequences of hate. These are incidents which are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on your actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race or religion."

The LAGLOs aims are to build trust and confidence within LGBT+ communities, encourage the reporting specifically of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crimes; domestic abuse and sexual violence and support LGBT+ witnesses and victims of crime.

“If you've been the victim of crime because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can speak to any police officer or member of staff.

“If you want to speak to someone with a greater understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, you can always ask to speak with one of our LAGLOs, all of whom have additional training, skills and experience regarding these issues.

“We also know there are many instances where people may not wish to report their experience directly to the police, and Third Party Reporting Centres provide an alternative means of reporting hate crime in a manner led by the victim.”