Denver Police Getting Schooled in Trans* Policy

Law enforcement doesn’t have the best reputation when dealing with transgender individuals. There’s a high rate of police assault on transfolk and an even higher rate for transgender individuals of color. In response, Denver’s law enforcement sought out to change those statistics, and created a policy that expanded on their existing one-paragraph of trans policy into a staggering nine-page policy aimed at improving relations between law enforcement and the transgender community.

The seminar, mainly used as a way to educate police academy students and other interested community members, is roughly three hours long and covers many of the basics that the transgender community has set. The major issues touched upon were use of correct terminology, debunking misconceptions, building trust and rapport with those in the community, and improving the respect between the police force and transgender population in Denver.

“Being more compassionate and understanding of trans individuals can be something as simple and overlooked as providing bras to trans inmates,” said Deputy Angela Willis, one of the speakers.

The class originated after a six-month collaboration of police, the US Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, and Colorado community members who described the process as “less like unicorns, ponies, and rainbows and more like a mutual, level-headed conversation with some crying,” per Captain Paul Oliva, another speaker. Thanks to the progressive, passionate program, the Denver Police Department now has one of the most advanced transgender policies in the nation.

The seminar also had some useful tips for transgender people, such as disclosure on transgender status when dealing with law enforcement.

Every uniformed police officer must take this class, so they have a basic understanding of trans issues, and are encouraged to be as sensitive as possible. “It’s paramount to remember to treat all people with respect,” said Deputy Willis. This led to a request for transgender people to trust in police. Disclosure of transgender status makes for smoother interactions, respectful handling, and (to law enforcement relief) less overall paperwork.

The respect was enhanced by the police speakers, whose speeches were punctuated with scenarios and in-field experience gained by the implementation of the thoroughly-researched policy. Deputy Willis said the go-to phrase for transgender conversations is: “When in doubt or uncertain, ask clarifying questions.”

While there’s no doubt transgender people and law enforcement have not always been on the best terms, it seems as though Colorado police force is on the right track for healthy, communicative partnerships.