LGBT Liaison Programs

LGBT Law Enforcement Liaison programs are highly effective ways for law enforcement agencies to build trust and increase community engagement with the LGBTQ+ community. Every law enforcement agency needs an LGBT Liaison as part of a commitment to community policing and procedural justice. Adopting a proactive “know me before you need me” strategy is key to building trust with the LGBTQ+ community.

These programs serve a dual function. Externally, liaisons build crucial relationships during non-crisis times and provide specialized expertise for sensitive cases like hate crimes. Internally, they act as a force multiplier, enhancing agency-wide cultural competency through training, aiding in recruitment, and advising leadership on inclusive policies.

For these programs to succeed, they must be institutionalized with formal position descriptions, accountability to senior command, and consistent, year-round engagement. An LGBT Liaison Program is not as a simple community relations tactic, but a core strategic component of modern policing that enhances operational effectiveness, promotes procedural justice, and builds lasting community trust.

Read “Know Me Before You Need Me” – about the value of LGBT Liaison Programs from the IACP’s January 2026 edition of Police Chief Magazine.

In June 2024, the National Law Enforcement Museum produced a panel discussion about the value of having LGBT Law Enforcement Liaison Programs.  Here from working Liaison around the country from agencies large and small and get inspired to create a program of your own.

The Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index recognizes the importance of the LGBT Liaison.

“An LGBTQ+ police liaison (10 points) can serve as an important bridge between the community and law enforcement. The liaison is an advocate for fair and respectful enforcement of the law as well as an officer that the community can rely upon to appropriately respond to sensitive issues. In instances of violence against LGBTQ+ people, LGBTQ+ police liaisons can help ensure that bias-motivated crimes are properly investigated and reported, victims are not misgendered, and the community is kept abreast of the investigation’s progress.” – HRC Municipal Equality Index

The Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index recognizes the importance of the LGBT Liaison.

“An LGBTQ+ police liaison (10 points) can serve as an important bridge between the community and law enforcement. The liaison is an advocate for fair and respectful enforcement of the law as well as an officer that the community can rely upon to appropriately respond to sensitive issues. In instances of violence against LGBTQ+ people, LGBTQ+ police liaisons can help ensure that bias-motivated crimes are properly investigated and reported, victims are not misgendered, and the community is kept abreast of the investigation’s progress.” – HRC Municipal Equality Index