New Training Programs
As work on our next book continues, we are excited to announce two new training programs for law enforcement.
LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement – 2 Hours
Homophobia is fueled largely by fear and a general law of knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity. Non-heterosexuality can pose challenges for conservative belief systems and result in hostile work environments, civil litigation, and less than satisfactory service to the community. Two studies published 2013 and 2015 by UCLA’s Williams Institute showed that homophobia is pervasive throughout law enforcement in the United States. These studies looked at internal and external events with law enforcement and LGBT people.
This program includes an interactive discussion of stereotypes and an explanation of the sexual orientation and gender identity spectrum. It can also include strategies for handling LGBT related domestic violence calls for service and hate crimes investigations involving LGBT victims.
We begin this program with a strong statement of intent: “We are not here to tell you that your religious beliefs, personal values systems or morals are wrong. We are here to share information and to help you be a more supportive colleague and more effective in serving the LGBT people in your community. To understand and accept someone else does not require your agreement. As a law enforcement officer, you obligation is to treat everyone fairly and equally, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and regardless of your own personal beliefs.”
It’s not a matter of if or when an LGBT employee will be hired – they are already working in law enforcement organizations throughout the country. The issue is whether or not these colleagues of ours feel confident and comfortable coming out and being out at work. When law enforcement officers understand LGBT colleagues, they are likely to be more comfortable in the field when serving LGBT members of the community.
Panel Discussion With LGBT Law Enforcement Professionals – 4 Hours
One of the most effective ways of learning about the LGBT community is to hear the stories of LGBT people who are working in law enforcement. We have an amazing team of professionals with a wide range of age, rank, and experience. We can bring a panel to your organization or, better yet, bring your organization to the LGBT community. We can immerse you in the LGBT community by providing a walking tour of the historic Castro District in San Francisco and include a round-table style panel discussion with LGBT law enforcement professionals. This experience has received high praise from new recruits to seasoned veterans. Like the programs above, our goals is to increase awareness through education and experience. Our intent is to create a non-threatening open environment where participants can ask questions and engage in discussion with our experts.
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