Los Angeles • Law Enforcement Gays and Lesbians

Los Angeles • Law Enforcement Gays and Lesbians (LA•LEGAL) is a new organization, under formation, dedicated to the professional development, support and representation for gay and lesbian law enforcement professionals in Los Angeles County.

LA•LEGAL is the vision of a number of Sheriff's Department deputies and Los Angeles Police Department officers. Unlike other organizations serving the LGBT law enforcement community, LA•LEGAL is being exclusively convened for Los Angeles County peace officers and will focus its initial organizing efforts on the largest law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County, including the CHP, LASD, LAPD, and LBPD. However, the organization will be open to any member of a public criminal justice agency in Los Angeles County.

The mission of LA•LEGAL will focus on four core areas:

• Training and professional development
• Networking and social mentoring
• Advocacy and representation
• Visibility and public education

Like other well-established organizations that represent other communities of interest, LA•LEGAL will play an important role in promoting diversity and in broadening peer support.

The group has appointed interim co-chairs, including representatives from LASD, LAPD and LBPD. Some of the initial goals of the organization include hosting the June 2006 national conference for LGBT law enforcement professions, which will be jointly sponsored by the LASD and LAPD. Another objective includes expanding participation in regional LGBT Pride celebrations in West Hollywood, Long Beach, San Fernando Valley, Palm Springs, and Latino Pride, etc. Regularly scheduled meetings will feature informative speakers and discussions about the challenges and obstacles faced by law enforcement professionals in their jobs.

LA•LEGAL Officers