LGPOA Austin Police Association

2019 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

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It’s Not That Complicated – Michael Crumrine

Breaking Down Barriers and Building Relationships with the LGBTQ+ Community

Law enforcement’s response to victims of crime within the LGBTQ+ community can have lifelong effects, either positive or negative. A negative response can have dire consequences for the victim and the community in general. Feelings of distrust and negativity toward law enforcement will potentially reverberate throughout the community and damage the communities’ faith in the Criminal Justice System. On the other hand, a positive, constructive response can save lives and build trust within the community. In 2009, the Austin Police Departments’ sworn members who identify as LGBTQ+, formed the first and only LGBTQ+ peace officers association in Texas. The LGPOA was formed with three values in mind; Service, Education, and Protection, not only of our members but also for the community we serve. In keeping with our values, the LGPOA collaborated with the Austin Police Department to be one of the first departments in the country to produce and distribute an “Its Gets Better” video. This video was our “Coming Out” moment and we have never looked back. 

Over the past ten years, our Association has been instrumental in changing the culture of the Austin Police Department to be more inclusive of its LGBTQ+ identified members. The LGPOA helped construct new and respectful search policies for our Trans and gender non-conforming citizens. We helped to introduce Comprehensive Transgender Equality Training as well as LGBTQ+ Intimate Partner and Sexual Assault training for our police cadets. The LGPOA was also instrumental in getting the City of Austin to adopt transgender inclusive health care benefits guaranteeing all city employees full medical coverage when transitioning and throughout their career with the City of Austin. 

In 2018, the Austin Police Department implemented the use of a victim neutral affidavit and new report writing guidelines that better address the needs of the community and protect all victims of crime, regardless of how they identify. Officers within the department attended a mandatory training where they are trained on the new procedures as well as a myriad of complicated issues involving the community not previously addressed. These procedures and training were the next step in Austin’s continuing commitment to the community for law enforcement officers to treat them with dignity and respect; thereby encouraging victims to report when they have been victimized.

This training is designed to educate law enforcement and the other disciplines on the significant impact their response has on LGBTQ+ victims. It will introduce the victim neutral affidavit and more accurate and sensitive report writing, two important tools in addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. This training will also show examples of how LGBTQ+ officers can have an impactful, positive and significant impact on the communities they serve both sworn and civilian and create lasting relationships based on respect, mutual trust and understanding. 

Objectives:
  1. Explore and better understand the unique issues related the LGBTQ+ community, including the dynamics that contribute to non-reporting of crimes to law enforcement.   
  2. Explore programs and policies adopted by the Austin Police Department that encouraged trust and understanding with the community and exemplifies the essence of Community and Relational Policing. 
  3. Learn how to implement the victim neutral affidavit in your own community and the positive impact it has on all victims. 
  4. Learn best practices for bridging the divide and forging trusting relationships between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.   
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