It's The Cops!

[eggwards]

The Washington Post has a very good and long story about Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit. The article talks about the impact the group has had in the community, and the opening of the police's new community center, but mostly focuses on Sgt. Brett Parson, the out leader of the the group. Parsons is both a hockey player, and on the forces watch list for officers that have used excessive force, so perhaps he's a good one to try to break some stereotypes both to the city and to the other members of the force.

The Post also presents a photo gallery, but also produces some high-quality video packages to accompany the story. It's a good go-together, and makes me wish that other papers were so media/web savvy.

It's also good seeing Washington D.C. taking a leading role in protecting and integrating gays and lesbians, even if it currently takes a separate unit to do it...for now. Still, the story shows that there are several issues that most officers don't know how to properly handle when it comes to dealing with our community. It's good they are making this effort.


(The Washington Post site requires login, but it's free. The links are courtesy of Jimbo.info)

Comments

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know the Houston cops had a store front in the Montrose for years...but I don't think they do any longer. I think they could learn a thing or two.

[bullneck.livejournal.com]

I had the pleasure of meeting Brett while attending MAL -- he was very friendly and outgoing, and made such an impression that I've been tracking the development of the DC GLLU since. Nice write-up, and thanks for posting the link.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Brett seems like he would be a good guy to get to know. The link was an interesting find.

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

*nods* I know Atlanta has a similar unit that's very active on the force, but I'm not sure to what extent they influence things...

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they mentioned Atlanta as a leading city, which is cool. Houston used to be, but budget cuts have really caused losses in city services. I know the Montrose area storefront for HPD has been closed. Not good.