Press Release – Rohnert Park DPS Receives Accreditation

Posted on Posted in Press Release

Rohnert Park Department Of Public Safety
Receives Accreditation – The First In California

August 1, 2023 (Santa Rosa, CA) Out to Protect president Greg Miraglia announced today that the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is the first law enforcement agency in California and the second in the nation to receive accreditation of its LGBT Law Enforcement Community Liaison Program.

Under the leadership of Chief Tim Mattos and Deputy Chief Kevin Kilgore, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is the first law enforcement agency in California and second in the nation to apply for accreditation of its LGBT Law Enforcement Liaison Program. Community Engagement Coordinator, Jennifer Pritchard leads the LGBT Liaison program. To receive accreditation, Jennifer Pritchard 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. Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety 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 Mattos and the members of the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety on their commitment to building a trustworthy relationship with the LGBTQ+ community in the City of Rohnert Park. Receiving accreditation is not an easy process and to be the first agency in California to do so is nothing less than commendable. Sonoma County has one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations per capita.  Every law enforcement agency in Sonoma County should follow Rohnert Park’s lead.”

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.