Police in inner-city Sydney will receive training in gay and lesbian issues to help curb homophobic violence, which has risen dramatically in 12 months.

From January next year, a full-day induction program on homosexual issues will be compulsory for new recruits, plus officers will receive training throughout the year.

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About 100 officers will be instructed, by next May, on identifying hate crimes, supporting victims and reporting homophobic violence.

It is the first time an entire NSW police command will be trained in gay issues.