NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk Police announced their first transgender policy marking it as a historic leap towards equality and fairness within the LGBTQ community.
Norfolk Police officials say the policy, “Interactions with Transgendered, Intersex, and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals” outlines how officers will interact and address members of the transgender community.
“I am excited to be the first law enforcement agency in Virginia to implement this policy,” said Chief Larry D. Boone. “What makes this even more special is that it was created in collaboration with our very own officers and Norfolk’s LGBTQ+ community. I can’t give you a better example of building trust and legitimacy.”
Norfolk Police Sgt. Craig Lovelace serves as the liaison to the LGBTQ community and played a key position in creating the policy.
“The strides that Norfolk Police have made in the past three years toward diversity and inclusion have blown past traditional 21st century policing models. I am gay and I have no problem mentioning it among my co-workers and that’s a huge relief,” Lovelace says.
The policy was approved by Norfolk City Manager on March 24 and has taken effect throughout the department.
“I don’t want there to be any doubt,” said Chief Larry D. Boone. “Whether you live in Norfolk, or plan to travel to Norfolk, I want everyone to know that they are welcome and if for any reason you come in contact with one of my officers, you will be treated fairly with dignity and respect.”
For the full release, click here.
