Pride Month is a time for us to recognize our LGBTQIA+ neighbors as well as remember the injustices, harassment and discrimination they have faced historically and often continue to face today. The Arlington Police Department is extremely proud of its partnership with the Rainbow Commission and its work to promote the full inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in Arlington. Our support for and friendship with our neighbors exists at all levels of our department, from the top to the newest patrol officer. As a police captain, I had served as the liaison to the Commission since it was established in 2017 and was proud to be a part of the work they are doing. When I was appointed chief, I chose to remain the liaison and will continue in this role. I deeply enjoy and value what we have accomplished together and continue to accomplish every year.
I am aware of the history LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups have with law enforcement on the national level, and the current divide seen today between the police and members of BIPOC groups. The Arlington Police Department strives every day to build and improve relationships with all of our neighbors and fellow community members, which we know will take time, effort, and clear action.
This past year, I requested input and assistance from the Rainbow Commission in updating our department policy on serving transgender community members. Some of the updates included changing language in the policy so that it reflects common vernacular, and including summaries of new laws in Massachusetts that protect the civil rights of transgender people in public accommodations, employment, housing, credit, and public education and the inclusion of gender identity in the state’s hate crimes law.
I am also working with the Matthew Shepard Foundation to bring training to the APD and interested community members around hate crime response and prevention training with the goal of providing our officers with the skills and tools needed to improve relationships with marginalized communities.
I am also pursuing training opportunities with Georgetown University’s ABLE (Active Bystander for Law Enforcement) training with support from various community groups, and have recently signed on to the NYU School of Law Policing Project 30X30 Campaign, which is a pledge to have women account for 30% of the APD sworn staff by the year 2030.
Through all of these initiatives, we aim to be a diverse and inclusive department that is committed to progress and improvement and serving our community members equitably and respectfully. My message, as your police chief, is this: We exist to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all community members, and we will continue to work every day to ensure equal protection under the law for all.
Chief of Police Julie Flaherty