Press Release – Denver Police Department Receives Accreditation

Posted on Posted in Announcements, Press Release

September 7, 2023 (Santa Rosa, CA) Out to Protect president Greg Miraglia announced today that the Denver Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in Colorado and the third in the nation to receive accreditation of its LGBT Law Enforcement Community Liaison Program.

Under the leadership of Chief Ron Thomas, the Denver Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in Colorado and third in the nation to apply for accreditation of its LGBT Law Enforcement Liaison Program. Lieutenant Michelle Folmar leads the LGBT Liaison program. To receive accreditation, Lt. Folmar completed the LGBT Liaison training Academy and submitted evidence of having met six rigorous accreditation standards that include:

  • The LGBT Law Enforcement Liaison Program is institutionalized and sustainable. 
  • The LGBT Liaison builds community relationships and trust. 
  • The LGBT Liaison has established communications pathways. 
  • The LGBT Liaison Is Engaged With The Community throughout the year. 
  • A full-time employee is currently assigned and trained to serve as the LGBT Liaison. 

The accreditation process includes a peer-review of the application and evidence of how the agency meets the standards. Denver Police Department staff met with the peer-review team to present various aspects of their program and answered questions about how they meet the accreditation standards.

Accreditation is good for three years and requires the agency to report annually on how it is maintaining the standards.

Greg Miraglia said, “I congratulate Chief Thomas, Lieutenant Folmar and the members of the Denver Police Department on their commitment to building a trustworthy relationship with the LGBTQ+ community in the City of Denver. Receiving accreditation is not an easy process and to be the first agency in Colorado to do so is nothing less than commendable.”

Out to Protect is the only national organization to offer LGBT Law Enforcement Community Liaison training and accreditation. These programs are guided by a leadership team comprised of experienced LGBT Liaisons from around the United States.  To learn more about the training and accreditation, please go to www.outtoprotect.org

For more information about this release:

Greg Miraglia
855-687-5428 ext. 5
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