PFLAG trains Norman Police Academy

Norman’s PFLAG chapter is unique in that it has a continuing partnership with its local police department. For years, board members of PFLAG Norman have attended Norman’s Police Academy to educate the new officers on understanding the LGBTQ+ community. “I’m grateful to contribute to cultivating the inclusive police force our city deserves,” stated Abby Skinner, a newcomer to the chapter board.  This training ranges from discussions of implicit bias to interacting with transgender individuals. Chapter President, Michael Robertson, explained “[t]he goal of this training is vital, as it’s an opportunity to give these recruits new perspectives that they’ve probably never experienced before; enabling them to be more empathetic towards the community’s needs.” The police department’s 59th academy has 11 cadets, which are expected to graduate later this year.