Working Together: Helping the LGBTQIA+ Community Feel Safer Before, During, or After a Critical Incident

Sunday, October 20, 2024

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM ET

Location: 253C

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Jacob Becchina

Sergeant
Kansas City (MO) Police Department
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Speaker(s)

Mindy Earle

Detective
Kansas City (MO) Police Department
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Alex Saragusa

Police Officer - LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer
Kansas City (MO) Police Department
Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Anti-LGBTQIA+ violence is increasing among hate groups. Traditionally targeted groups, like the LGBTQIA+ community, are subjected to increased fear. Local law enforcement should partner with community entities and local media to proactively address these concerns. Using a holistic approach represents the best strategy to identify, prevent, and address acts of targeted violence. Presenters will outline a plan to bring together community resources to partner with LGBTQIA+ businesses and groups to offer training and local media to share those efforts for maximum relationship building. The outreach strategy has been employed successfully in Kansas City, Missouri. A review of successful processes, integration, and results, as well as suggestions for public information officers, is included.