Know Me Before You Need Me

The Value of LGBTQ+ Law Enforcement Liaison Programs

Uniformed officer stands near a large rainbow pride flag outside a government building with columns under clear blue sky, showing support for inclusivity.

In an era where community trust serves as the cornerstone of effective policing, police agencies across the globe are recognizing that building meaningful relationships with diverse communities requires intentional, sustained effort. The concept of “know me before you need me” has never been more relevant than in the context of LGBTQ+ community relations, where historical tensions and contemporary challenges demand proactive engagement strategies that extend far beyond crisis response.