The Traverse City Police Department has created a new LGBTQ liaison position.
The move creates a point person within the police department who will work directly with the LGBTQ community.
Taylor Comiskey is the Traverse City LGBTQ liaison officer. She said the position will build a relationship with the LGBTQ community.
“A lot of what we do is reactive just inherently in police work. This is an effort to be proactive and reach out to that community and establish things like teaching management about how to properly interact with someone who might be a part of this community.”
Comiskey said she spoke with officers doing similar work in Orlando, Florida to help her design the position.
“It’s definitely something where I don't’ feel the need to invent the wheel so to speak. It’s becoming almost standard practice at larger agencies.”
Comiskey said since the position was announced she’s heard from members of the LGBTQ community grateful that the position exists.
“I had one parent say that their child has come out as gay and doesn’t feel comfortable around authority figures. So having this makes them feel that if they were in trouble they’d have someone to talk to.”
Comiskey said friends and family within the LGBTQ community helped her see a need for a point of contact within the police department.