Chief of Police Charles H. Ramsey today announced the formation of the Metropolitan Police Department's first Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU), which will promote cooperation with the police and improve public safety services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities in all seven police districts.

The new unit will plan, develop and promote programs that educate and empower the community about public safety issues, and it will serve as a forum for citizens and business owners to present ideas and express concerns about police services in the District of Columbia.

"While the relationship between the Metropolitan Police Department and the District's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities has improved markedly in recent years, our Department can always do a better job of ensuring high-quality, sensitive and professional service to all of our diverse communities," Ramsey said.

" The liaison unit will promote even greater cooperation between the MPD and these communities by taking a leading role in building vital links and promoting a more effective, ongoing dialogue. The top priority of the GLLU officers is to collaborate with residents, community leaders and business people in developing programs that make people safer right now, while also establishing a more effective, long-term partnership between the police and the community," the Chief added. The unit will also coordinate with PSA (police service area) teams and other Department units in identifying and solving neighborhood crime and disorder problems that affect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered residents.

The GLLU will be staffed by two liaison officers: Officer Kelly McMurry, previously assigned to the Second District , and Officer Bredet Williams, formerly of the Third District . Reporting directly to the Office of the Executive Assistant Chief , the unit will be based out of the Police Department's Operations Command, located at 300 Indiana Ave., NW. The GLLU's phone number is 202-727-2201.