Officers receive LGBTQ competency training
Jeremy McClure
Officers assigned as Community Cultural Liaisons received LGBQT competency training from One Iowa on Nov. 13 at the station. This is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to better serve various communities in Sioux City.
The department’s Community Cultural Liaisons received cultural competency training for the LGBTQ community from One Iowa on Nov. 13 as part of their continuing effort to better meet the community’s needs.
“There is a lower level of confidence in the LGBTQ community in law enforcement officers then in other communities,” said Keenan Crow, Director of Policy and Advocacy for One Iowa.
The training covered what it means to be LGBTQ, the obstacles faced by members of the community, and how officers can better communicate with people.
“The purpose is to open communication and build trust,” added Crow.
The department’s Community Cultural Liaisons are officers chosen for their commitment to build partnerships and their communication skills. None of the officers are designated to a particular group as the department wants community members to be able to work with the officer they feel most comfortable with. More information on the Community Cultural Liaison program can be found at http://www.siouxcitypolice.com/community-cultural-liaison.
One Iowa was invited to present to the officers due to their work and advocacy on behalf the LGBTQ community in the state. More information on One Iowa can be found at https://oneiowa.org/.