A new program from the Traverse City Police Department is causing controversy.
The department recently added a "LGBTQ liaison."
Supporters say the liaison will help TCPD address issues specific to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/questioning community.
Opponents say the move is inappropriate, and all citizens should be treated equally without needing a seperate program.
An existing officer is being used, so a new hire wasn't needed.
According to 9&10 News:
"Traverse City Police are adding a unique aspect to their patrols, an LGBTQ Liaison.
A few months ago Patrol Officer Taylor Comiskey realized the LGBTQ community has specific needs and that police need a better way to understand and address those needs to make sure they are there for everyone in the Traverse City community.
The Officer Comiskey won't just be out on the road, but helping put on seminars to inform other officers and the public.
She says, “How to respectfully address somebody who may identify as transgender, these are all important things we as the face of the police department have to be able to make someone feel comfortable to come to us because if they don't come to us we can't help them.”
