Embedded Files
The predecessor of the Advisory Committee was formed during the summer of 1985 and initially known as the “Police Council on Gay and Lesbian Concerns.”
The group was run by Mayor Koch’s Liaison to the LGBT Community, Lee Hudson. The group met every 6 weeks at 1 Police Plaza with the NYPD's Chief of the Department.
In addition to NYPD personnel, the council included leaders from the Transit Police (separate from NYPD at the time), the Anti-Violence Project, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, as well as the local community center, SAGE, HMI, and GMHC.
During these early years, there was a focus on AIDS/HIV related concerns, bias crime, and the need for officers to receive training and education. Individual cases were never discussed but often served as examples of issues to be considered.
In 2008, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn decided to re-boot the group that had existed during the administration of Mayor Ed Koch.
On September 17, 2009, then Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said "I am pleased to announce that the New York City Police Department is reconstituting a committee to advise us on the concerns of the City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities."
Leadership and Support
Since 2020, the Committee has been led by Chair Bruce Pachter. Its operations are supported by the NYPD’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison to the Police Commissioner (a permanent role currently held by Detective Dominick Martorelli), alongside the LGBTQIA+ Outreach Unit (Community Affairs Bureau) and the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL).
Evolution
While the Committee continues to address immediate concerns like false arrests and the harassment of nightlife establishments, its role has evolved significantly since 1985. Today, the Committee provides high-level policy guidance. Notably it advised on the repeal of the "Walking While Trans" ban.
Current Initiatives
Beyond its advisory role, the Committee spearheads independent projects to bridge the gap between police and the public. In early 2026, following months of collaboration with community leaders, the Advisory Committee launched a comprehensive research survey. This initiative allowed New Yorkers to share their direct experiences with law enforcement and provide feedback on community safety.
Following up on the momentum of this project, the Committee plans on launching a series of public engagement events such as town halls, focus groups, and Coffee with a Cop meetings.
Stay tuned! The best is yet to come...
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