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File #: 2025-1107    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Preliminary Item
File created: 7/23/2025 In control: ERPS-Employee Relations & Public Safety Committee
On agenda: 8/5/2025 Final action:
Title: Commission District(s): All Commission Districts A Resolution Requesting The Administration Implement A DeKalb County Police Department LGBTQ+ Police Liaison Position, Require Hate Crimes Identification Training For Law Enforcement, And For Other Purposes.
Attachments: 1. 2025_8_12_LGBTQ Police Liaison_Resolution, 2. DeKalb County Equality Report - final draft

Public Hearing: YES ? NO ? Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6

SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
A Resolution Requesting The Administration Implement A DeKalb County Police Department LGBTQ+ Police Liaison Position, Require Hate Crimes Identification Training For Law Enforcement, And For Other Purposes.
Body

Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. "Ted" Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909

PURPOSE:
A resolution requesting the Administration implement a DeKalb County Police Department LGBTQ+ Police Liaison position, require hate crimes identification training for law enforcement, and for other purposes.

NEED/IMPACT:
The DeKalb County Governing Authority is committed to equality and safety for all DeKalb County residents and visitors. In a 2024 study conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) titled "Policing Progress: Findings from a National Survey of LGBTQ+ People's Experiences with Law Enforcement," they found "LGBTQ+ people are less likely to report their victimization to the police, despite higher rates of victimization." Several municipalities across the country have established a LGBTQ+ Police Department Liaison, including the City of Chamblee and the City of Atlanta, to act as a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and the police department with the goals of further building trust and encouraging community engagement. In 2023, Georgia Equality developed an Equality Progress Report for DeKalb County and recommended DeKalb County implement a "LGBTQ Police Liaison Position" and "require hate crimes identification training for law enforcement and ensure compliance with FBI UCR annually" to further ensure equality and build a more welcoming DeKalb County for all citizens and visitors.

FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time.

RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or her ...

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