COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced in a March 5 release that Lt. Joseph Landis was appointed as the liaison to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community.
In the release, Sutherland noted that the position was created to provide community members and officers with a direct point of contact focused on serving residents and fellow officers within the county with concerns directly affecting that community. Its formation was done to “foster positive relationships and address safety concerns with” the LGBTQ+ community.
“With the increase in bias crimes and bias incidents across the state, it is important for the residents of Cape May County to know that law enforcement can better protect and serve the community as a whole by having an open dialogue of inclusion and trust with all of our diverse communities,” Sutherland stated.
One of the tasks of the new position will be to facilitate training for law enforcement as well as the community in a stigma-free environment.
This position will also help foster an inclusive environment both internally and externally so that all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community feel safe in reporting issues that may be affecting them.
The liaison, as an advocate for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community will strive to build trust between law enforcement and the communities it serves.
Landis can be contacted at jlandis@cmcpros.net or (609) 465-1135.
