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  If you have a question you would like to ask the GLLU, please send it to our webmaster at . We will try to address most of them. • I may have been a victim of sexual assault. What should I do? How do I know? • Why can't I seem to access the GLLU web site? • Are you in a police station on Dupont Circle? • I dropped by your office and found it closed. When are you there? • If you are always on the street, why have an office? • Some people confuse the GLLU with the Mid-Atlantic Gay Officers' Action League (GOAL). Are they the same thing? • Reported Hate Crimes are up in DC. Is this good or bad? • Does the GLLU investigate all GLBT-related crimes? • What is the difference between the types of staff members that make up the GLLU? • In which Police Service Area (PSA) or District does the GLLU work? • Is it true that the GLLU was established to keep a closer eye on the Gay community? • Are there any straight officers on the staff? • Is it true that the GLLU is being discontinued? • At certain community events the GLLU has an outreach table. Why? • How is the GLLU perceived within the police department? • Are any members of the staff single? I may have been a victim of sexual assault. What should I do? How do I know? Many people believe that rape and domestic violence do not occur in same sex relationships. It is often believed that sexual violence is a way for a man to assert power over a woman. But, sexual assault can occur in any relationship regardless of the genders involved. Women may use sexual violence as a way to control other women and men to control other men. It is important to treat same sex assault seriously. Rape is NOT a sexual act. Rape IS an act of control and domination. The rapist uses the act as a way of asserting power over the victim. Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual activity. Rape does NOT relate to sexual orientation. Rape is not “gay” or “straight”. Same sex sexual assault does not necessarily mean that the victim or the perpetrator is gay. Again, rape relates to power and control. There is no single or typical emotional response to sexual assault. A survivor may feel calm, rational, angry, depressed, helpless, ashamed, or any other emotion. It is common for survivors to experience self-blame and to feel embarrassed about sexual assault. It is important to remember that it is not the survivor’s fault. It may be harder for gay and lesbian survivors to come forward when they are sexually assaulted. It may feel as though one is stating to the world that they are gay. Fear of facing homophobia and prejudice may keep gay and lesbian survivors from coming forward in certain situations. This information and more can be found at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center. [ go to top ] Why can't I seem to access the GLLU web site? Because of some of the wording on our web site (with words such as gay, lesbian, etc.), parental controls on certain browsers are blocking this GLLU site and not allowing users to view the information we provide. Most likely, this is due to browser preferences, utility software that offers parental controls based on language, or even your internet service provider. Be aware this is an official site and any language provided within is not gratuitous and is determined by our team to have merit or be objective terminology. [ go to top ] Are you in a police station on Dupont Circle? The GLLU office is just that, an office. It is not a 24-hour police facility (Station or Substation), where citizens can seek emergency assistance. Although members of the GLLU will frequently be in the office doing paperwork, conducting interviews and hosting community groups, the office is not designed to provide full police service. Due to the GLLU's current staffing, it is not possible for the office to remain open during all peak times. The main focus of the GLLU will remain the same as past years, which is for there to be a visible presence on the streets of the District of Columbia, where GLBTQIA people live, work and socialize. In the event of an emergency, community members are directed to call 9-1-1 for immediate police response. The on-call member of the GLLU can always be contacted via pager at 1-877-495-5995. Additional contact information for the GLLU can be found on our Contact Page. NOTE: The acronym GLBTQIA refers to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (Curious), Intersexed, and Allied community members. [ go to top ] I dropped by your office and found it closed. When are you there? I thought the police department never closed. The GLLU is available 24 hours a day, 365 days each year, as is the MPD. That does not mean we (GLLU) work those hours. We have been careful to refer to our new space as an "Office" and not a (Sub)Station. It is important to remember this distinction, as only (Sub)Stations provide 24 hour police service. A member of the GLLU is always working OR on-call. The GLLU's primary responsibility is to be visible on the streets of the District of Columbia for the purpose of preventing and solving crime, as well as providing assistance to the residents, workers and visitors to our nation's capital. Although we love our new space, we are not an administrative unit, so if you find our office dark, ring the bell. If no one answers the door use the contact information listed next to the door to get in touch with the on-call member of the GLLU. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1. [ go to top ] If you are always on the street, why have an office? The move to our office was motivated by the GLLU's desire to better serve the community. Our office has brought the GLLU closer to the community, allowing for an even stronger relationship. The office is staffed on a shift basis. Our volunteer staff will make every effort to be available during evening and weekend hours and full-time officers will sometimes be there completing reports, returning phone calls, doing crime victim follow-ups, and meeting with citizens. Mostly, they will be on the street - policing. The GLLU's visibility and presence throughout the city / region is not being diminished. [ go to top ] Some people confuse the GLLU with the Mid-Atlantic Gay Officers' Action League (GOAL). Are they the same thing? No. The Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) and the Mid-Atlantic Gay Officers' Action League (GOAL) are two separate organizations and have two completely different missions. The GLLU is a law enforcement unit within the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington DC, while Mid-Atlantic GOAL is a social/support organization for GLBT public safety workers in the greater metropolitan region, with members throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. Although the GLLU supports and encourages the work of Mid-Atlantic GOAL, we take great care in ensuring the two are clearly defined. Also keep in mind that the GLLU is a agency/entity, under the government of the District of Columbia and must abide by the policies, procedures, regulations and laws of the city. Although the GLLU works closely with many law enforcement agencies and other government organizations, members of the GLLU represent the Metropolitan Police Department. Mid-Atlantic GOAL is a 501(c)(7) tax-exempt fraternal organization, which is incorporated in Washington, D.C., and it abides by its own set of rules, regulations and by-laws. Mid-Atlantic GOAL is not affiliated with any particular police department or other public safety organization, although its members come from agencies, departments and organizations throughout the Federal, State and Local governments. of GLBT police officers from police departments throughout the greater Washington region. There are GLLU staff members who have joined Mid-Atlantic GOAL, but few of their members are part of the GLLU staff. In fact, many members of Mid-Atlantic GOAL are not members of the Metropolitan Police Department. [Analogy: A reporter for a local newspaper may be a member of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association, but the newspaper company itself has no affiliation with that association.] [ go to top ] Reported Hate Crimes are up in DC. Is this good or bad? In 1998, the District of Columbia reported a dismal two Hate/Bias Crimes to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for publication in its Uniform Crime Report (UCR). This low number was actually part of the motivation behind the creation of the GLLU, in June of 2000. It was thought that the low number of report Hate/Bias Crimes was an indication of insufficient training of officers, as well as a poor relationship with the GLBT Communities. Since the creation of the GLLU, reported Hate/Bias Crimes have skyrocketed statistically. The numbers are still low, when compared to other urban communities, however represent a success in the goal to educate police officers and strengthen the relationship between the Metropolitan Police Department and the GLBT Communities. In a society where increased crime is a sign of fear and ignorance, the increase in reported Hate/Bias Crimes in the District of Columbia is something to be celebrated. No longer do we bury our heads in the sand and believe these crimes are not occurring in our city, but instead acknowledge they have been occurring for years, but going unreported. This is one of the few times we can say we are happy to see an increase in the number of reported crimes. [ go to top ] Does the GLLU investigate all GLBT-related crimes? Although the GLLU is not just about public relations and community outreach, it is big part of our existence and mission. Because of this, the GLLU is unable to investigate every crime by, and against the GLBT communities. The investigation of crimes by, and against members of the GLBT communities is something that makes the GLLU unique in the country. Most liaison units simply do community outreach. In some instances (Domestic Violence, Hate Crimes, etc.), members of the GLLU will handle investigations from the crime scene to the court room. In other cases (Homicides, Sex Abuse Cases, etc.) members of the GLLU will work with members of those specialized units, in order to ensure the specialized unit member has all the resources needed to complete the investigation. The GLLU will also become involved in an investigation at the direction of the Chief of Police or the request of an investigative unit. In some instances, outside agencies request assistance from the GLLU, because the agency lacks experienced investigators in the particular criminal activity. The GLLU offers law enforcement members who are comfortable with issues and crimes typically experienced by, and against members of the GLBT communities. Because of the GLLU's presence in the community, members are often able to obtain information from community members, who might otherwise not share that information with non-GLLU members. Finally, members of the GLLU are comfortable being in environments not usually frequented by members of law enforcement. GLBT bars, restaurants and adult-oriented businesses are all part of the GLLU's outreach and therefore familiar locations to GLLU members. [ go to top ] What is the difference between the types of staff members that make up the GLLU? The Sergeant and five full-time staffers are sworn MPDC officers, who are paid and work full time as GLLU members. The two Reserve Officers are sworn MPDC officers who volunteer their time to MPDC. They are trained and supervised similarly to the full-time officers; however, they have some limitations. They are part of a larger program - the MPDC Reserve Corps. For more information regarding the Reserve Corps, visit the MPDC web site. Members of the Police Auxiliary Service are civilian volunteers. Although some have prior law enforcement experience, others are members of the community who choose to share their talents and skills with the GLLU. We are lucky to have great people! Go to the MPDC web site for more information about the program. [ go to top ] In which Police Service Area (PSA) or District does the GLLU work? As a citywide unit the GLLU is available to assist members of the community in all parts of the city, regardless of Police Service Area (PSA) or District. The GLLU works closely with every unit within the MPDC (PSA's, Specialized and Support Units). The Metropolitan Police Department recognizes that the GLBTQI community is not only in the District of Columbia, but also many members of the community visit the city for work, tourism, and socialization. Because of this, members of the GLLU can be seen throughout the city, and even at crime scenes and events throughout the metropolitan area. When not responding to calls for assistance, or attending the countless community events we support, the GLLU can be found patrolling and visiting those areas of the city where the GLBT communities are most visible. [ go to top ] Is it true that the GLLU was established to keep a closer eye on the Gay community? No. Although the GLLU does investigate and assist other law enforcement officers and agencies in investigating crimes by and against the GLBTQI communities, it is but one of several roles we play. The difficult challenge is to maintain a strong and open relationship with the community, while continuing to uphold our oath to enforce the laws of the United States and District of Columbia. These goals may occasionally conflict, forcing us to make difficult choices about our involvement in community events. The GLLU is aware that illegal activity is present in the GLBTQI communities and maintains a strong stance with regard to enforcement. In the end, the GLLU will always ensure that members of the GLBTQI communities, who find themselves the subject of police investigations or arrests, as well as victims and witnesses, are treated with the respect, sensitivity and professionalism all members of our society deserve, regardless of sexual orientation. To request the assistance of the GLLU, or to report disrespect, insensitivity or unprofessional behavior, page the on-call member of the GLLU at 1-877-495-5995. You can also file a complaint via the MPDC web site at mpdc.dc.gov/serv/citizencomplaints/citizencomplaint.shtm. [ go to top ] Are there any straight officers on the staff? Yes. Members of the GLLU represent most of the GLBTQI spectrum, as well as our allies. Although it is assumed members of the GLBTQI community will be sensitive to the communities needs and concerns, it is equally important to have staff members who are allies, and who understand and support the community. Many members have friends and family, who are GLBTQI. [ go to top ] Is it true that the GLLU is being discontinued? The GLLU, as well as administrative staff and all Specialized Units, are sometimes redeployed. This occurs during times of heightened security, as well as part of the Chief's Redeployment Plan. In both instances, the GLLU provides increased manpower to the PSA's, whose manpower has been depleted by special events or crime emergencies. During redeployment, the GLLU is still available for emergency calls, although members are not available for community events or routine patrol. To contact the GLLU during times of redeployment, page the on-call member on 1-877-495-5995. [ go to top ] At certain community events the GLLU has an outreach table. Why? The role of a liaison is to create a bridge between the community and the agency. The GLLU believes this is best accomplished by going to events where the community is visible. Some of these events seem traditional, like Capitol, Youth and Black Prides. Others, like the Leather Weekend or ASGRA Atlantic Stampede, may seem less obvious in their importance. By attending events that celebrate the diversity and variety of the GLBTQI communities, the GLLU seeks to create a bridge for all. Our presence also serves to educate and sensitize us to the many groups within the GLBTQI spectrum, while alerting the communities of our existence. We share our experiences and knowledge with other police officers, therefore increasing the MPDC's sensitivity. Lastly, although the GLLU would like to financially support all the great causes within the community, it is impossible. By providing a police presence, we hope to show our support of the events and causes we attend. Some day, we hope our attendance will be expected, as opposed to a surprise. [ go to top ] How is the GLLU perceived within the police department? It is different for everyone. In general, the GLLU is a respected unit within MPDC, in which many officers from MPDC and other agencies find a place to seek assistance (personally and professionally) with GLBTQI issues and cases. In order to maintain the respect of fellow officers, the GLLU maintains a visible presence on the streets, responding to calls for service throughout the city, regardless of whether the call involves a member of the GLBTQI community, or not. The openly Gay, Lesbian and Transgender members of the GLLU enjoy a healthy and strong relationship with their fellow MPDC members, however that does not reflect the experience for all GLBTQI members of the department. Homophobia and discrimination still exists. To the extent we can, the GLLU strives to eliminate these signs of ignorance and hatred from our agency, by serving as open examples of productive, happy community and agency members. Regardless of their sexual orientation, or their degree of "outness," most members of the GLLU are immediately assumed to be GLBTQI. When confronted by these assumptions, we seize the moment to teach our peers about stereotypes, assumptions and other GLBTQI issues. In short, the MPDC is a great place to work, but we are always striving to make it better. [ go to top ] Are any members of the staff single? We like to leave any discussion of our members' personal lives up to them. If you see any of the members out and about in the community, feel free to shake their hands and ask them! We are never insulted, but please respect our need to maintain professionalism and the integrity of the offices we hold. [ go to top ]
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