Mayor de Blasio Signs Executive Order For First Ever LGBTQIA+ Liaison Position

Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed an Executive Order to enshrine the position of LGBTQIA+ Liaison within the Office of the Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department.

“New York City has one of the most diverse police departments in the nation, and our LGBTQIA+ officers proudly serve and protect us each and every day,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m thrilled to formalize the position of LGBTQIA+ Liaison within the Commissioner’s Office as we reinforce our commitment to all of our LGBTQIA+ employees and the entire LGBTQIA+ community.”

“The NYPD is committed to cultivating trust with the community, and fostering a safe and welcoming work environment for employees who identify as LGBTQIA+,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “Partnering with the LGBTQIA+ community, including many of our employees, will reinforce this commitment and enhance our relationships. Formally establishing this position will provide a critical advisor to NYPD leadership as the Department continues to move forward.”

“I am proud to be able to serve the community I am part of as the NYPD’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison,” said Sergeant Ana Arboleda. “It is a true privilege to help the NYPD continue making strides forward for LGBTQIA+ employees and the community we work to protect every day. I am grateful to the leadership of the NYPD for this opportunity and to GOAL – who is comprised of my friends, colleagues and people who have become my family.”

“The Executive Order is incredible progress toward the right kind of LGBTQIA+ representation in the NYPD, both for the community to have its voice heard at the highest levels and for all LGBTQIA+ members of the Department. We thank the Mayor for enshrining this role in the NYPD, and we will continue to advocate for LGBTQIA+ equity in all aspects of the NYPD’s work,” said Detective Brian Downey, President of the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL).

Per the Executive Order, the LGBTQIA+ Liaison will:

Partner with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and Training Bureau on workforce outreach and institutionalizing trainings;

Support all NYPD Bureaus on LGBTQIA+ related issues;

Review and make recommendations on policies under consideration by the Office of Management Analysis and Planning that affect the City’s LGBTQIA+ community as well as the NYPD’s LGBTQIA+ workforce;

Partner with NYPD Community Affairs Bureau’s LGBTQIA+ Outreach Unit to engage external partners; and

Work to strengthen the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Panel, which convenes community partners and advocates.

The full Executive Order can be viewed here.