The work lives of LGBTQ+ police liaisons in the United States

This study examines the role and impact of LGBTQ+ liaison officers within police departments in the United States.Footnote1 Despite the historical tensions between law enforcement and LGBTQ+ communities, liaison programs have emerged as a strategy to enhance communication and address systemic discrimination. Using survey data from 49 LGBTQ+ liaison officers, we examine the factors influencing the adoption of liaison models, the responsibilities and activities of these officers, and their perceived effectiveness. Findings reveal that while LGBTQ+ liaison officers engage in both internal (departmental training and recruitment) and external (community outreach and advocacy) activities, they face challenges related to visibility, institutional support, and community skepticism. The study highlights the ‘visibility paradox,’ where officers’ roles enhance public awareness but also expose them to professional and social backlash. Furthermore, despite increased representation, many liaison officers report a lack of formalized training and ambiguous role definitions. This research underscores the need for stronger institutional support, ongoing cultural competency training, and systemic reforms to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of LGBTQ+ liaison programs.