America’s largest sheriff’s department implements trans-inclusive policy
An LAPD officer holds hands with a Sheriff’s Deputy as they march during 2016 Gay Pride Parade in West Hollywood, California on June 12, 2016.
The largest sheriff’s department in the US has issued new guidelines for interacting with transgender people.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued the new policy earlier this month.
It aims to help officers in dealing with trans and gender non-conforming people.
On Tuesday, Lietenant Don Mueller said the policy was simply meant to reinforce already used practices in the department.
Among other things, the policy bans deputies from asking people about their transition process.
It also prohibits offensive comments.
Deputies are also now banned from disclosing to non-law enforcement staff that someone is transgender.
It also dictates that trans or gender non-conforming people can specify the gender of the deputy conducting strip searches.
Other Departments such as the New York Police Department and the Los Angeles Police department already have similar policies in place.
Meanwhile in the UK, a number of police forces have replaced traditional helmets and uniforms with gender-neutral versions to attract trans officers.
A Welsh police force earlier this year announced it was set to introduce gender-neutral uniforms.
The more than 1,000 strong force in Dyfed Powys, is subject to the uniform change.
The helmets, hats, ties and cravats were all made the same for officers or all genders under the new rules.
