NEWARK – Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara recently announced that he has appointed Police Officer Brian Holmes, who identifies as a gay male, to serve as the LGBTQ Community Liaison, a position that supports the police division’s ongoing efforts to foster a strong relationship with the LGBTQ community.
“I think it’s critical for the Newark Police Division to have trust and a meaningful rapport with the LGBTQ community, so they know that we are on the same page about concerns they may have,” Director O’Hara said. “The NPD is committed to strengthening our relationships with all members of our community, particularly those who may have felt disenfranchised. And the NPD will continue to investigate any and all acts of bias-motivated crime, including crimes committed on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”
Detective Holmes, a three-year police officer who was promoted to detective, said he looks forward to being a face of the LGBTQ community for the police division and LGBTQ police officers.
“I am someone they can turn to within the Newark Police Division for advice or any type of reporting that would need to be done,” Holmes said. “The department has been positive and supportive to myself and I’m pretty sure they have been supportive to LGBTQ police officers within the department.”
In this full-time role, Holmes will collaborate with the LGBTQ community on events, discuss issues impacting its people and monitor the division’s response to LGBTQ-related crimes. As a member of the LGBT community, Holmes will also establish a support group for LGBTQ officers and connect victims with social services. Look for Holmes to attend LGBTQ community meetings, speak with victims of suspected biased crime, and establish relationships with organizations throughout the city.
The assignment coincides with International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event on March 31 that celebrates transgender people and raises awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.
Meanwhile, Director O’Hara urges anyone with information about a crime to call the Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.
