Transgendered and Police Encounters
In association with Eifion Swinnerton Diversity Officer for Cleveland Police, we are producing an A5 booklet to offer advice for the Transi community, in all respects regarding having to involve Cleveland Police in our lives.
It is being published, both for our information, and also for the benefit of the Police Officers that will be delegated to attend to your involvement/complaint.
The intention is to make both ourselves, and the Police more comfortable, and aware of what we may both expect upon meeting.
The booklet, will be available. probably at the end of next week, and I will leave several copies at Hart Gables, and then have them available for our next Middlesbrough meeting in November.
Amongst the issues addressed are, Stop & Search, Being Arrested, Charged with an offence, Searching of the Person whilst In custody, driving when dressed, Hate Crime reporting, and Supplying your details to Officers requesting.
It is recognised, that being subjected to a personal search is expected to be a rare occurrence, but it is better to know what procedures the Police will employ whilst dealing with a transgendered person.
Additionally, we are producing proformas, that may be used to report Hate Crime, either personally, or via 3rd Party. the forms can be held by both ourselves, and copies will be available from Hart Gables Reception in about a week from now.
I hope this is a positive step to making the relationship between ourselves and the Police a more positive experience.
Comments welcome.
Heather