Diversity Liaison Officer FAQs
What is the DLO Network?
The DLO Network provides a liaison between gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities (GLBTI), and Police.
DLOs support NZ Police to be a positive and inclusive employer for all people across the sexual orientation and gender identity spectrums, including gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex.
What does a DLO do?
DLOs are police employees who work in a 'portfolio' or voluntary capacity across the country. DLOs work to break down barriers between GLBTI communities and police, and ensure a safe environment for GLBTI staff. They do this by:
- Making links with GLBTI community groups and working with them to assist in resolving any community issues that may arise
- Assisting GLBTI community members, e.g., crime prevention and safety advice
- Providing guidance on the GLBTI communities to Police colleagues and management
- Training and education to staff and being a point of contact on GLBTI issues
- Promoting the DLO role
How can I get in contact with a DLO?
DLOs are all over the country and can be contacted via the contact list provided on this website.
Who can be a DLO?
Any police officer or police employee who has the approval of their supervisor can become a DLO.
Any police officer or police employee who has the approval of their supervisor can become a DLO.
What training do DLOs receive?
DLOs attend a 3-day course at the Royal New Zealand Police College taught by ex UK cop Joseph Quinn of Open Road Associates, National Equity and Diversity Office staff, and various community guest speakers. The course covers the basics of discrimination and harassment, the nature of sexual orientation, homophobic motivated hate crime, same sex family violence, working with the transgender community and GLBTI youth. It also outlines in detail exactly what the DLO role involves and what the responsibilities are, including GLBTI.
How did the Network start?
The DLO Network begun in 2002 after 'Inclusiveness Training' was bought to NZ Police by Diversity Consultant Eugene Moore, who had also done a lot of work with other organisations like the Navy. The Network has grown since then and now numbers 80 DLOs across NZ.
