Group calls for change in policing in NSW
A coalition of people from the LGBTI community are calling for a change in the way policing is conducted in NSW.
Concerned at recent events such as alleged heavy handedness during the 2013 Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, the 69 signatories from a variety of gay, trans, intersex groups, bisexual people, women’s groups and queer groups, have issued a statement stating: "We want a police service, not a police force, in NSW".
In a seperate media statement, the group, co-organised by Morgan Carpenter and Jonny Bastin, said: "We believe that there's a consensus in LGBTIQ communities and community organisations that the current policing model in NSW isn't serving us".
The group are also concerned how the issue of policing has mostly been dealt with through two organisations - Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and ACON - a process which they claim have led to the present situation.
"Dialogue with the police must be broad-based if it is to change the situation," the group's media statement said.
"Our communities are far bigger than ACON and the annual Mardi Gras, and discussions with police and government need to reflect that," Carpenter said.
"There's far more of a consensus about policing that seems to remain unspoken out loud. I hope we've helped to give voice to that, and helped create a mandate for change."
Bastin said he felt embarrassed and humiliated by the way people including overseas guests were treated.
"Deploying so many police at the parade, including officers from the dog squad, mounted horse unit, traffic and highway and transport commands plus the public order riot squad, is not an appropriate level of policing for a community celebration that has a good reputation for peaceful crowds," Bastin said.
"Our leadership organisations need to take a tougher stand on this."
One of the statement's signatories, Bobby Petty, said he felt the community was being "let down" by police.
"I want to live in a city where the police set an example to the people they serve, where policing is intelligent, respectful and appropriate and understands the rich fabric of Sydney's diverse cultures," Petty said.
- Tags: ACON, Bobby Petty, Johnny Bastin, Mardi Gras, Morgan Carpenter, NSW Police, Police brutality, SX, Sydney
Comments (5)
NSW Police in general and the Redfern Police Station in particular have a lengthy reputation for harassment and violence toward gays only rivaled by Queensland. An investigation into police behaviour should not be limited to Mardi Gras but cover all aspects.
In one sentence you are saying that MG and ACON are doing too much ("The group are also concerned how the issue of policing has mostly been dealt with through two organisations - Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and ACON - a process which they claim have led to the present situation.") and then in the next statement you're saying that "Our leadership organisations need to take a tougher stand on this."
What has MG and ACON done that have 'led to the present situation" exactly?
Seems to me that you're more annoyed that the big organisations that have a voice to change are actually doing something about this!
Based on my personal experiences with nsw police, I have come across only a few good police who were a. Honest b. had a service ethic and c. Were not overcome by their own sense of power. Time and time again I have been struck by NSW police's total lack of a service ethic, it's a case of what do u want and I will see if I feel like doing anything for u. The extent of the attitude gap is so vast, and the lack of honesty and the speed at which police (from probationary constable up to inspector level) deploy dirty tricks that they must get taught from day 1, I think we have a huge problem in NSW - an entrenched police culture of arrogance that in part is manifesting itself in terms of violence towards lesbian & gay people.
Well, thank goodness we have honest politicians!
Things will never change. Queer people are all up in arms at the alleged offense by police, yet think nothing of the LGBTI people turned away from Mardi Gras each year that they themselves deem too offensive.