Statement from Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier
The Metropolitan Police Department, with the input of the members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) communities, has developed a very thorough and comprehensive policy regarding the treatment of transgender individuals. I am proud that my Department is leading the way on this issue, and is the first police department in the country to develop such a policy without the need for litigation. The policy dictates not only how officers are to address transgender individuals from the initial stop and frisk, but also mandates procedures for transportation, detention and medical treatment. I have also instituted a training requirement for all officers to ensure that members of the GLBT community are respectfully treated. I want to thank the members of the transgender community who collaborated with us on this policy, as it represents a true community-police partnership.