Waltham Forest

The Community Safety Unit (CSU) is responsible for the investigation of hate crimes within the Borough of Waltham Forest. This includes:

• racist crime
• domestic violence
• homophobic crime
• hate mail

The Community Safety Unit is based at Chingford Police Station and consists of a dedicated team of officers who investigate crimes of this type. But it goes far beyond that.

Even if what has happened to somebody is not, in the eyes of the law, an actual criminal offence they will still investigate it and offer the victim the support and advice they need. Beyond police involvement, officers from the CSU can refer people to independent organisations able and willing to assist victims of hate crime. The one thing a victim of hate crime can be sure of is that their problem will be taken seriously and acted on to the fullest of police ability.

The Community Safety Unit will;

• Keep improving the way they investigate cases of domestic violence, racist and homophobic crime (hate crimes);
• Pursue, arrest and prosecute people who commit hate crimes;
• Be open about how they investigate hate crimes;
• Be a dependable contact point for those who have suffered from hate crimes;
• In partnership with other organisations, provide support for those who have suffered from hate crimes;
• Liase with other organisations to make sure they are giving the best possible service at all times;
• Build new partnerships to combat hate crimes and
• Make sure they record everything they do in an investigation and that the person who has reported the hate crime is kept up to date.

If you have been the victim of a hate crime or know someone who has, visit your local police station and pick up a copy of the "Tackling Hate Crime Together" leaflet. It is packed with useful information and advice on all aspects of hate crime. Alternatively, contact the Waltham Forest Borough Community Safety Unit. You can remain anonymous if you'd prefer and you will be dealt with sensitively and confidentially.

The unit is staffed by both male and female officers who are specially trained to deal with these crimes. It is also responsible for maintaining the register of missing persons. The unit is committed to working in partnership with both the statutory and voluntary organisations in the borough to improve the quality of life for the residents.

In an emergency always dial 999

To contact this Community Safety Unit, dial: 020 83453030

There is an answer phone for out of hours calls. All enquiries will be dealt with confidentially and the caller will be dealt with in a discreet and sensitive manner.

Youth Group

Beau Belles
Under 16's Welcome. Social group for LGBT young people aged 11-21 offering support, advice and a social scene.

Address: c/o Face2Face, Chestnut House, 398 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17
020 8509 1210
face2face@edu.bwf.gov.uk
www.face2face-wf.org.uk
Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30pm
and Walthamstow Central

Youth Out East
Under 16s welcome / Full disability access . A group for lesbian, gay and bisexual young people aged 16-21 – a youth support network, activities, events and workshops.

Address: ELOP, 56/60 Grove Road, London, E17
020 8509 3898
admin@elop.org
Weds 7-930pm
and Walthamstow Central