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Young queers in Queensland claim mistreatment by some police. Jenna Gray reports.
Many members of the LGBT community have experienced abuse but have never reported it to police, believing there would be little point, or that doing so would actually make it worse.
And they may have a point when you hear about recent incidents of abuse and harassment from police against young LGBTs in Brisbane.
Lola, 18, was recently arrested in the Valley. He says the police searched him in the middle of the street and hit his head against their police car while handcuffing him.
His cuffs were so tight they cut into his wrists, but the police refused to loosen them.
At the station, police allegedly called Lola “fag” and “little girl”, and when he started crying they called him “Britney Spears” and made derogatory comments about his make up and nail polish.
Lola started mouthing off at the police for their homophobic attitudes. He was then taken to the watch house in the city. He needed to go to the toilet, and they watched him pee.
When the police finally released him, they didn’t let him put his shoes and belt back on until he was outside the station where they told him he was a big boy and could walk home from there.
Another incident I heard about involved a young trans-girl having her wig ripped off by police, stripped naked and called names like a “cock”.
Some police seem to target young people because they think we’re less likely to complain.
However, not all police are bad. Most strive to uphold the police motto: “With honour we serve”. There are only a few bad apples that commit these offences against the LGBT community. They tend to get away with it because many of us don’t know our rights when it comes to cops.
If asked to, you must give your name, address and date of birth. You may also be requested to move on under certain circumstances. If you feel the move on notice is crap, you can appeal it.
If the enquiry is drug related you may be searched. Remember to ask the police officers for their names, badge numbers and what station they are from.
If you are told you are being arrested, ask under what charge.
You may be taken to the station if you are suspected of possessing drugs. Don’t resist searching or fingerprinting.
You don’t have to say anything, answer any questions or sign any statements; you can just say “I do not wish to make a statement until I see a lawyer”.
You may consult a lawyer any time during a police investigation. Police should but don’t have to allow you a phone call, unless you’re being interviewed, and if you are under 18, the police may contact your parent/guardian.
If you feel you’ve been treated badly by police, you can make a formal complaint to the Crime and Misconduct Commission on 3360 6060 or 1800 061 611, but of course the easiest way to avoid trouble with the police is to keep out of trouble to start with.
If you’ve had violence or threats towards you and don’t want to report it to police, you can contact Walksafe, Queensland Anti-violence Inc, at walksafe.org.
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