Knoxville Police LGBTQ Liaison Calls For Greater Community Presence, Cultural Sensitivity In Police Force

Image Credit: Knoxville Community Media & Knoxville Police Department

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

During the July meeting of the Knoxville Police Advisory and Review Committee (PARC), a citizen oversight committee which audits the Knoxville Police Department’s discipline process, policies, and procedures, the department’s LGBTQ Liaison expressed a desire to improve relations with LGBTQ community members through increased recruiting efforts of LGBTQ individuals and greater “cultural sensitivity” within the police force.

Sgt. Phyllis Tonkin of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) spoke to PARC members about the importance of her work as LGBTQ Liaison and her goals and initiatives within the department, opening her speech by declaring her passion for the “deeply important” liaison role and calling it not just a job title but “a mission.”

“It’s about opening doors, breaking down walls of misunderstanding, and ensuring everyone in our community feels safe and respected regardless of who they are or who they love,” she proclaimed. 

Tonkin claimed that her work is essential to the department because, “Many LGBTQ individuals carry experiences or at least perceptions of being misunderstood, mistreated, and marginalized by police. Equal treatment doesn’t always mean equal experience.”

She believes she serves as a recognizable point of contact for members of the LGBTQ community who may feel “uncomfortable” talking to just any officer.

Further justifying the importance of a designated LGBTQ liaison, Tonkin offered some hypothetical examples of LGBTQ community members being incorrectly or underserved by the police. She gave an illustration of a transgender woman who may not call the police because of “past stories” where officers did not use the transgender’s “correct” name or pronouns.

Another conjectural situation involved a gay teenager who may avoid reporting a crime because they’re afraid the officer won’t take their claim seriously or will “out” them to unsupportive parents. 

Tonkin confirmed none of these scenarios have happened in Knoxville but were merely musings for the committee’s consideration of future departmental policy.

“These are real barriers that prevent people for asking for our help,” she surmised. “When we show culture competency, when we use correct language, respect people’s identities, and show genuine understanding we break barriers down. This makes us better officers and a department.”

In more concrete terms, Tonkin then presented her primary goals as LGBTQ Liaison.

Firstly, she wishes to “build relationships and visibility” in the community beyond emergency response. “That means participating in Pride events, LGBTQ resource fairs, school presentations, and community meetings,” she said. 

Her goal of better officer training and education will come through the development of “practical training sessions for our officers covering respectful communication, proper documentation of gender identity, and understanding the unique challenges of LGBTQ victims of crime face.” 

Recruiting efforts are also a significant focus for Tonkin as she believes, “The best way to build trust with the community is for them to see themselves in our ranks. I am actively working to encourage qualified LGBTQ individuals to consider a career in law enforcement because LGBTQ officers bring unique insight into cultural sensitivity and community concerns.”

She contends that citizens are “more likely to approach an officer who they feel understands their life experiences,” and expressed intentions to work with the recruitment team to attend community events, colleges, and job fairs to “specifically encourage LGBTQ candidates who may never consider law enforcement as an option.” 

Tonkin claims her ideals are not about politics but “professionalism and officer safety,” yet states she is helping review department policies to ensure they are “fair and respectful to everyone, especially in cases involving domestic violence in same-sex relationships or searches in houses for transgender individuals in custody.”

Finally, the Sergeant shared her excitement to attend the upcoming 2025 World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals where attendees, likely there on the taxpayer’s dime, will “share best practices, training, ideas, and real-life stories.”

She hopes to bring back improved training resources learned from other departments already excelling in LGBTQ outreach, creative new approaches for community engagement, and more recruitment strategies.

“At the end of the day, this isn’t about LGBTQ outreach, this is about good policing [and] the future of our department. By welcoming more diverse officers, including LGBTQ officers, we show that we don’t just talk about inclusion, we live it,” Tonkin concluded.

Several board members praised Tonkin and her work while PARC Community Manager and LGBT liaison for Mayor Indya Kincannon, Josie Russell, thanked KPD for their “continued commitment to our community” including the department’s running of a recruitment booth at SoKno Pride in June and upcoming plans to do the same during Knox Pride this fall. 

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.