LGBTQIA+ Liaison

1. Serve as the main point of contact between the Waco Police Department and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.
2. Assist, advise, and support with Waco Police Department leadership and personnel on cases involving LGBTQIA+ matters
3. Respond on scene to incidents involving members of the LGBTQIA+ community when needed.
4. Assist in training members of the department, sworn and professional staff, on LGBTQIA+ topics, terminology, and history to help foster a greater understanding of the community.
5. Be an information resource on relevant Law Enforcement matters to business owners, community groups, and individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community.
6. Assist the personnel unit in recruiting within the LGBTQIA+ community.
7. Attend LGBTQIA+ meetings and events.
8. Develop, strengthen, and maintain relationships with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to include community leaders, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.
9. Assist with crime prevention efforts within the LGBTQIA+ community.
10. Identify and attend LGBTQIA+ trainings to help stay current on matters and laws within the community.
11. Work with Waco Police Department leaders to create/maintain policy and general orders regarding LGBTQIA+ matters.

The Waco Police Department tracks all crimes that occur within the city limits of Waco. This tracking is conducted so Waco PD can identify problem areas within the city and direct patrol and/or investigative resources to reduce these incidents. The FBI also mandates statistical crime reporting from every law enforcement agency in the United States.

Harassment:

A criminal offense committed against another where one’s behavior is used with intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass.

Hate Crime:

A criminal offense committed against a person, group of persons or property, which is motivated in whole or part, by the offenders bias against a race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Bias Incident:

A preformed negative opinion or attitude directed at a person, or a group of persons based on their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Crimes with Bias Elements:

When used during the commission of any crimes, biased comments are made.

Non-Criminal Bias Incidents:

Offensive and/or derogatory language that, although hurtful, does not meet the level of a crime and may fall under the category of free speech.

If you are a LGBTQIA+ victim of or witness to a crime, and it is an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately. Our non-emergency number is (254) 750-7500 which you can call any time to report a crime.

This will allow the Waco Police Department to respond to, and statistically track, anti-LGBTQIA+ incidents. The Waco Police Department can then deploy police officers and other resources to the area where these crimes are occurring.

The 911 operator needs quick and concise information, such as;

• Your injuries: 911 Operator will call medics while talking with you, if they are needed.
• The specifics of the crime: What happened?
• What was said: Tell the 911 operator and the responding officer if the suspect(s) used words to indicate a hate crime.
• If there was a weapon involved: Describe it
• Description of suspects: Age, race, height, weight and clothing description.
• Any unusual characteristics: Scars, marks, tattoos, piercings, speech, etc.
• Suspect vehicle description: Color, make, model, vehicle license plate.
• The direction of travel: Which way did they flee?

Even if you think the crime is insignificant, or that you don't want to bother the police over small issues, reporting crimes quickly allows the Waco Police Department to:

• Respond immediately to the scene to prevent further harm.
• Collect evidence that could be destroyed if not discovered and collected quickly.
• Interview witnesses who may otherwise be gone if you delay your call to 911.
• Apprehend the suspect(s) quickly so they do not continue to victimize others.
• Determine if the suspect(s) are engaged in a pattern of previous and/or ongoing behavior that threatens the community.
• Increase community awareness of criminal activity in the area through media notification & alerts.
• Develop solutions and/or deterrents to reduce the crime by adding patrols to the area.

Your quick actions and reporting will help reduce crime in Waco!

Walking

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Try and walk in well-lit areas, with other people around.
• Walk in groups, or with others nearby.
• Don't display or count your money where others can see you.
• Conceal your technology (i-pads, cell phones, etc.).
• Be cautious when approached by strangers.
• If confronted by someone, try not to verbally engage with them. Drugs, alcohol, or mental illness may be driving their behaviors so your safest course is to disengage and not escalate the situation.
• If anyone attempts to rob you, either by threats or with a weapon, do not resist. It is not worth risking your life or physical injury for the amount of money you will lose.
• PLEASE NOTE: someone calling you a derogatory name is not a crime. It is a constitutionally protected free speech. If the comments are accompanied by threats, threatening behavior, or physical harm, it then becomes a crime.

Social Gatherings

• When leaving a party, bar, or a social gathering, travel in groups. Criminals will focus on lone pedestrians.
• Don't get in strangers cars.
• If intoxicated or under the influence, call a cab, sober friend or family member to take you home.

Meeting People Online or through Dating Apps

• If you meet someone, tell your friends where you're going & describe the person you're with.
• Don't volunteer any of your personal information (date of birth, address, etc.).
• Meet your date in a public place.
• Try to find out as much about your date as possible prior to meeting.
• If practical, record your date's vehicle description and license plate number.
• Save all of your e-mails and texts from the person you're meeting.
• If your date is making you uncomfortable, don't worry about politeness. LEAVE!
• If your date begins to stalk or harass you, tell them clearly to stop. If they don't, call the Waco Police Department.