Read our statement on Garden State Equality’s vision for criminal justice reform.
Garden State Equality provides trainings to law enforcement agencies that are looking to improve their interactions with the LGBTQ+ community. These trainings range from anti-bias training to LGBTQ+ 101.
These trainings are often conducted by a Garden State Equality employee and/or a locally appointed LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaison.
Law enforcement’s relationship with the LGBTQ community has a long and troubled history, which is rife with abuse and discrimination. While much has changed since last century, many LGBTQ people still don’t feel safe around law enforcement, and many individuals—especially those within the transgender community—still face unequal, discriminatory, or abusive treatment from law enforcement.
Garden State Equality believes law enforcement agencies must make efforts to ensure positive interactions between the LGBTQ community and law enforcement agencies.
We believe an important part to bringing about change in the system is with LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaisons being appointed locally to advocate internally within the criminal justice system for LGBTQ community members who need help navigating law enforcement interactions. When Garden State Equality receives calls from individuals who have faced unequal, discriminatory, or abusive treatment during a law enforcement interaction, we try to work with state and local Law Enforcement professionals to advocate from the inside to ensure a fair and just outcome.
Additionally, LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaisons should work within their own agencies to build affirming and inclusive workplace environments for other LGBTQ-identified officers.
Become a Member
If you are an LGBTQ-identified law enforcement member and interested in becoming a liaison, please contact:
David D’Amico, Chief Investigator
Middlesex County Department of Corrections
[email protected]
Lt. John Hayes
New Jersey State Police
[email protected]