The Gütersloh County Police Department has joined the “RESPECT!” campaign of the regional resource center blick* and presents itself, both to the public and inside the organization, as an open place where queer people are welcome and can feel safe.
At the core is the colorful sticker bearing the word “RESPECT,” which aims to increase visibility for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other queer people in rural communities. The sticker was already affixed by County Administrator Ina Laukötter in the presence of police representatives in the entrance area of the Gütersloh Police Station.
“With these stickers, the Gütersloh Police Department, as an authority, are sending a visible signal that people are welcomed with respect, openness, and acceptance,” states a press release. People who experience queer-phobic violence should be encouraged to file criminal complaints.
To raise awareness of the topic and to clear up uncertainties about terminology, police officers will receive informational materials from blick*. An internal event had already taken place at the end of May, which also tied into police practice. “In keeping with the service oath, by which all police officers swear to uphold justice for everyone, the Gütersloh Police are committed to LGBTQ+ people who face discrimination and are especially vulnerable, take their concerns seriously, and protect them,” the press release concludes.
