The Atlanta Police Department will sponsor a safety seminary on Friday, Aug. 24, that is open to everyone but will focus on issues facing the LGBT communities in particular. The seminar will be from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church.

“It is important to update and educate the LGBT community on current crime trends affecting it,” said Deputy Chief Propes in a prepared statement. ”Providing proactive crime prevention information will hopefully offer the tools to prevent victimization.”

Atlanta police to conduct safety seminar for LGBT residents

Leading the seminar will be the Atlanta Police Department’s LGBT liaisons Senior Patrol Officer Brian Sharp and Officer Kristin Knight. The seminar will also allow for a meet-and-greet with Major James Whitmire, commander of Zone 5, which includes the heavily gay areas of downtown and Midtown.

Topics to be covered at the seminar include: robbery prevention and personal security; “see something, say something” campaign that encourages citizens to call 911 when they see suspicious activity; and the “clean car” campaign which calls for motorists to remove valuables from their vehicles.

A recent alleged gay bashing on Aug. 4 at Atlantic Station is proving difficult to prove. The APD has not been able to reach the alleged victim, stalling their investigation.

The Midtown Ponce Security Alliance continues to also beat the drum that prostitutes, especially men dressed as women, are forming “gangs” in Midtown. Atlanta police officials denied there are gangs of prostitutes harassing residents living in Midtown.