The answers to the 20 most frequently asked questions about LAGPA.
==================================================================

Q 1. Do I have to be ‘Out’ to be a member of LAGPA?

A No. It is entirely your own decision. We will welcome and support
  you in either case.

Q 2. Is it illegal to be a gay person in the UK police service?

A No. Unlike the military, it has never been illegal to be gay in
  the police.

Q. 3. Is LAGPA a political group?

A No. We are entirely non-political and are not affiliated to any
  party.

Q. 4. What is LAGPA about?

A. LAGPA has three aims:

	Equal Opportunities
	Advice and Support
	Community Involvement

Q. 5. Who may join LAGPA?

A. Any serving police officer, special constable or civilian support
staff, of any rank or grade, employed by any recognised U.K. police
force.

Q. 6. Does LAGPA get involved in gay activism?

A. LAGPA does not directly get involved, although we provide a forum
for individual members to discuss their concerns, and we are in touch
with other groups who are more involved.

Q. 7. Is there any chance I will be found out by joining LAGPA?

A. We take very strict precautions to prevent members being ‘‘outed’’.
Our screening procedure ensures that only genuine police employees
can join. Only a limited number of committee members have access to
our membership list.

Q. 8. If I was experiencing harassment at work, how could LAGPA help
me?

A. Firstly, by supporting and encouraging you through your ordeal,
and by ensuring you are properly advised by the relevant staff association
(Federation, Union), and assisting you with the paperwork involved
in the grievance procedure, or complaint procedure.

Q. 9. I am unsure of my sexuality at present; how can LAGPA help
me?

A. LAGPA has its own Welfare Officer on the executive committee,
who is a fully trained counsellor. In addition, LAGPA has close  links
with the National Friend support and advice organisation, with branches
across the country.

Q. 10. Do you have meetings?

A. Yes. We have executive committee meetings virtually every month
at which full members can attend and participate.

Q. 11. Where do you meet?

A. Our normal meeting place is at New Scotland Yard, although we
also hold meetings in conjunction with social events across the country.

Q. 12. What do you do at your meetings?

A. We follow a set agenda of business ranging from training to monitoring
equal opportunities policies. Each of the committee officers gives
a report on their particular brief, plus any other business from the
members.

Q. 13. Do you have social functions?

A. We regularly hold social functions around the country. Outside
of London we tend to meet up in a local gay pub or club or go for
a meal, while our London functions are normally exclusively for LAGPA
members and guests. We usually have food, a disco and occasionally
some form of cabaret. The socials are great fun and well attended,
and provide one of the best forms of support for our members.

Q. 14. What is the relationship between LAGPA and other statutory
organisations?

A. We are a completely independent organisation, with no ties to
any other statutory groups. However, we hold regular meetings with
the Police Federation, the Home Office, and individual police force
equal ops units. In addition we also meet from time to time with members
of ACPO and the various civilian support staff unions.

Q. 15. Is there a fee to join?

A. Yes, there is a fee for full membership, which is set each year
by the committee.  The current fee is notified on the joining application
form.  Those wishing to take part in the support group are free to
make a voluntary donation.

Q. 16. Do I receive any newsletters or periodicals?

A. Yes. Full LAGPA membership (or support group membership) entitles
you to receive the regular LAGPA Newsletter and any notices of meetings
or functions.

Q. 17. How does LAGPA communicate with its members?

A. Members are in regular contact with their regional co-ordinators
in the provinces and through the monthly ‘‘Drop-In’’ in London, plus
we keep in touch with events and each other via the LAGPA Newsletter.

Q. 18. How is LAGPA structured?

A. LAGPA is a properly constituted organisation, managed by an executive
committee of up to 9 elected members. We have three tiers of membership:

Full Membership - enables members to attend all LAGPA meetings,
seminars, social functions and to stand for election to the executive
committee and vote at the AGM. 

The Support Group - is for those who do not wish to take the full plunge 
by becoming a full member. They are entitled to receive the LAGPA 
Newsletter and invitations to social functions, plus any support they 
require. 

Friends of LAGPA - is by invitation of the committee only, for members who 
have left the service or for individuals who have rendered LAGPA some 
special service over a period of time.

Q. 19. Is LAGPA in contact with other gay police groups abroad?

A. Yes. LAGPA is in regular touch with similar groups in America,
the Netherlands and Australia.

Q. 20. What is LAGPA’s relationship with the gay community at large?

A. In addition to talking to local groups, LAGPA members can often
undertake a useful liaison and trust building role between the police
service and the gay community.





Document Produced By: 	PC Paul Carswell
			LAGPA (UK)
			lagpa@murph.demon.co.uk

Last Updated:		13th January 1995