PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police must use a person’s chosen name and pronoun when interacting with transgender people, regardless of what is listed on their government-issued identification card.
The change is part of a new police department policy announced Tuesday that addresses how police should interact with transgender and non-binary people.
Officials say the policy is meant to serve as a guide for unbiased day-to-day interactions with transgender and non-binary people, as well as those who are being detained or transported.
Today @PhillyPolice shared details of their new policy guiding interactions with trans and non-binary people. This collaboration between police, @PhillyLGBTgov and the community will help us ensure the dignified treatment of all people. Learn more ⬇️ https://t.co/F2py5PpjPP
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) June 25, 2019
Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Sullivan says it’s intended “to ensure safe, supportive and respectful interactions” with city’s LGBTQ community.
Other guidelines include transporting and housing transgender people separately from other prisoners, if possible; and ensuring transgender people can express a preference for the gender of the officer who searches them.
