Newark Police Department Appoints LGBTQ Community Liaison

NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Department of Public Safety has chosen a local police detective to serve as its new LGBTQ community liaison, authorities announced Wednesday.

Detective Brian Holmes will serve as the new liaison, a position that supports the police division’s ongoing efforts to “foster a strong relationship with the LGBTQ community,” officials said.

As part of the job’s duties, Holmes will collaborate with the LGBTQ community on events, discuss issues impacting its people, and monitor the division’s response to LGBTQ-related crimes. He will also establish a support group for LGBT officers and connect victims with social services, authorities said.

“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,” Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said.

“The NPD is committed to strengthening our relationships with all members of our community, particularly those who may have felt disenfranchised,” O’Hara said. “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.”

O’Hara urged 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). Anonymous tips can also be made using the website at www.newarkpd.org or through the division’s smartphone app.

Holmes’ assignment on Wednesday coincided 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.

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