Task force to recommend how Austin police should ID gender

Austin, Texas (AP) — The Austin City Council has endorsed creating a task force to help police better identify a person's gender.

The resolution approved Thursday comes after a transgender woman found slain on Jan. 22 was initially misidentified by Austin police as a man. The city in February acknowledged concerns on how transgender individuals are identified when involved as a victim, witness or suspect.

Police Chief Art Acevedo says cadet training now includes cultural issues facing transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. The task force, to include transgender people, will look at expanded gender-related training for law enforcement.

Members of the Austin Human Rights Commission helped put together the resolution. Recommendations will be presented to the Austin City Council this summer.

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The Gayly – May 6, 2016 @ 3:30 p.m.