New Study Proves LGBT Liaison Programs & Training Work

Standardized training for LGBTQ+ liaison programs and officers improves hate crime reporting by bridging community mistrust and enhancing cultural competency. Specialized instruction helps law enforcement accurately recognize subtle bias indicators, collect initial evidence, and navigate victim trauma. Collaborating with LGBTQ+ groups ensures officers signal safety, while establishing shared reporting pathways with civilian partners encourages reluctant victims to come forward.

A new study published this month in Police Chief Magazine provides strong evidence that law enforcement can increase the reporting of hate crimes by the LGBTQ+ community by providing LGBT awareness training and operating LGBT Liaison Programs.

The study provides the following specific recommendations:

Potential Improvements for Hate Crime Response Trainings

• Clearer Training on Recognizing Bias Indicators

• Training on Thorough Initial Evidence Collection

• Training on Patrol → Investigator Handoffs

Potential Improvements for LGBTQ+ Community Competency Trainings

• Standardized Training for LGBTQ+ Liaison Roles

• Collaborative Involvement with LGBTQ+ Communities in Training Design and Delivery

Cross-Cutting Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Victim Interviews

• Training on Trauma-Informed Policing Approaches

• Training Officers and Civilian Partners in Shared Reporting Pathways

Out to Protect can provide law enforcement with the training recommended here.  We offer LGBT Awareness for Law Enforcement courses, Hate Crimes Investigations courses, and a complete LGBT Liaison Academy that helps agencies build highly effective liaison programs from the beginning.

Thanks to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, any officer in the United States can take our Hate Crimes Investigations Course and LGBT Liaison Academy at zero cost.