In a minimal fanfare but a meaningful stride, Sgt. Noukue Cha of the Minneapolis Police Department became our local bridge to a global conversation. According to a recent social media post by the MPD, Sgt. Cha attended the Bridging the Gap Conference in Austin, Texas, where sessions underscored the importance of nurturing ties between law enforcement and LGBTQI+ communities.
Held every few years, the conference drew professionals from a wide mix of disciplines and geographies, including Italy and Zambia, to discuss and develop strategies for better community policing. Amid advocates, educators, and social workers, Sgt. Cha shared the stage with counterparts from across the ocean and the street, highlighting MPD’s efforts to ameliorate past tensions and foster inclusivity…