LGBTQ+ Outreach Program
Many police departments across the country have recognized a need for better relationships and communication between their department and groups that have traditionally had strained relationships with law enforcement. The CU «Ƶ Police Department is no different. In the fall of 2019, CU «Ƶ Policeidentified several officers and civilian employees as liaisons to the Pride Office within the CU «Ƶ Center for Inclusion and Social Change.
Training, advocacy and engagement continues. In 2023, CUPD joined the Safety in Pride project,designed to build trust through meaningful partnerships, education and community engagement. CUPD's LGBTQ+ liaison was honored with an award for her work in spearheading training and engagment, including the design of a special pride pin to be worn during Pride Month.
“We at the Pride Office are excited to be working with liaisons from CUPD and have had some very fruitful discussions. The aim of this program is to create strong working relationships with the police department, its officers and other safety officers on campus,” said Morgan Seamont, Director of the Pride Office.“Now, as has happened in the past, we see the need for working together to ensure that the best practices are being undertaken to ensure fair treatment, inclusive procedures and safety for our community in addition to true allyship," said Seamont.
In February 2020, Seamont and his staff provided a training to all of CUPD’s supervisors, with additional training provided in subsequent years, including Respect in Reporting, a training sponsored by Out «Ƶ County.
“We have been working steadily to improve our relationship with the LGBTQ+ community,” said then CUPD Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Pride Officeto create a strong relationship of mutual trust.”
CUPD and CU «Ƶ have also participated in the«ƵPrideVisibilityMarchandPride Festival.
