Back to Search(Toronto, ON) – In recognition of Zero Discrimination Day, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) has issued Building Relationships: A Guide to Policing and 2SLGBTQ+ Communities, an updated resource for police personnel designed to help policing professionals better serve and work with 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The document is a significant update of the original document Best Practices in Policing and LGBTQ Communities in Ontario issued in 2013.
“As police leaders, members of the OACP stand with 2SLGBTQ+ communities to ensure that all Ontarians can count on respectful and effective policing services,” said Gary Conn, Chief of the Chatham-Kent Police Service and OACP President. “This guide is meant to assist police personnel in working with their 2SLGBTQ+ communities and develop opportunities for collaborations that can make community members feel safe.”
Building Relationships: A Guide to Policing and 2SLGBTQ+ Communities was developed by members of the OACP Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. The new guide features:
- the evolution and historical timeline of important events for the 2SLGBTQ+ communities
- the fact that inclusive and current terminology and language is important and has great impact
- the importance of recognizing and understanding intersectionality in Ontario’s diverse communities
- guidance and support for police employees/members who make the important decision to transition in the workplace, and the importance of enhancing police services’ trans awareness and understanding
- celebration and acknowledgement of some of the excellent work occurring in police services and 2SLGBTQ+ communities
- recognition that while we’ve come a long way, there is still a need for continued education and guidance to become fully inclusive police organizations.
The Building Relationships: A Guide to Policing and 2SLGBTQ+ Communities resource document is available on the OACP website.
Note: A French language translation of this Guide is forthcoming.
Quotes:
“There are so many people and organizations to thank, but we would like to thank YOU – the readers, the ones with lived experiences, the champions, the allies, the leaders, and the change-makers – for inspiring us in updating this important resource document. We are committed to continuing to listen, learn, and work with 2SLGBTQ+ communities to serve the safety needs of community members.”
Amanda Weaver, Ontario Provincial Police I Co-Chair, OACP Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Executive Committee
Staff Sergeant Linda Moorhouse, Barrie Police service I Co-Chair, OACP Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Executive Committee
“Welcoming workplaces for 2SLGBTQ+ police and law enforcement and safe, sensitive policing for the 2SLGBTQ+ community can be achieved through intentional, persistent and pro-active approaches. The OACP 2SLGBTQ+ Guide provides critical resources and practical information to assist services in becoming pro-active for true equality, diversity and inclusion. Serving with Pride encourages all police and law enforcement to use the guide along with the CACP 2SLGBTQ+ Equity and Inclusion Toolkit to better serve Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Canadians.”
Jean Turner, Serving With Pride
“This guide is timely and a very positive step forward towards improving relations and trust.”
Jacqueline Edwards, President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.)
Media Contact:
Joe Couto, Director of Government Relations & Communications
Email: media@oacp.ca
Mobile: 416-919-9798
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