City, Police Work to Improve Relationship with LGBT Community

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Police Department continues to weather criticism over its interaction with the city's LGBT community. As WABE's Jim Burress reports, officials are taking steps to try to improve that strained relationship.

Mayor Kasim Reed says Atlanta is looking to at least one city that's had success in improving LGBT relations. "The leader in that space is Mayor Gavin Newsom and the city of San Francisco, and that is the city that we will be modeling after," Reed said.

Part of that model involves reviewing police training, so that officers are more sensitive to LGBT-related crimes. Another component includes establishing a nine-member advisory board. Its purpose is to inform LGBT liaison Patricia Powell on issues and concerns within Atlanta's gay community. Powell, who was appointed to the position in May, admits relations between the gay community and APD have been strained.

"That's why we're here to try to rebuild," she said. "I mean it's constant work. We as Atlanta Police Department, we know that."

The advisory board will meet quarterly. Advisory board applications are due to the department by Friday, July 16.

Jim Burress, WABE News.