HAMPSHIRE Police has reiterated its commitment to tackling hate crimes at a national conference.

Officers have travelled to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) Police Conference in Manchester to discuss the key challenges facing equality and inclusion within policing.

The theme of the event is ‘devotion to duty’ and Hampshire Police has been recognised as a gay-friendly police force by charity Stonewall.

PC Darryl Clarke, one of the officers attending on behalf of the force, said: “Under-reporting of hate crime and incidents within LGB & T communities remains an issue we must address through ever increasing understanding and awareness.

"Fairness, integrity and respect reinforces our commitment to give greater confidence to victims and witnesses of homophobic and transphobic abuse.

"More contact and conversations with individuals affected by such abuse helps to ensure policing is providing the best possible service in some of the delicate cases officers can encounter."

He added: "You can speak to any police officer or member of staff if you've been the victim of crime because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.

“However, 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 Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs), all of whom have additional training, skills and experience regarding these issues.”

It comes as Hampshire Police is running its biggest ever survey on hate crime, domestic violence and sexual assault in LGB&T communities.

For more details visit surveymonkey.com/r/FJGR2GS.