Transgender Interaction Policy

Policy 2021-13: Policy Regarding Interactions with Transgender, Intersex, and Gender Nonconforming Persons

 It is the mission of the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to protect the rights of everyone involved in the criminal legal system, and to pursue justice evenhandedly—irrespective of sex, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration status, and socioeconomic status. That responsibility begins with the day-to-day interactions with the people we serve. Everyone in Washtenaw County deserves the confidence that their Prosecutor’s Office represents them, respects them, and is working for them.

 It is therefore a top priority for the Prosecutor’s Office to treat transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals with respect and dignity in all interactions. This is a matter of basic decency, and of public safety. When transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals know that they will be treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement, they will feel more comfortable reporting when they have been the victim of a crime. They will be more likely to serve as a witness in a case. And that makes all of us safer.

 Accordingly, all employees of the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office are responsible for creating an atmosphere where transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming persons are treated with respect and dignity. . Employees’ responsibilities under this Policy Directive include, but are not limited to, addressing all people in conformance with their gender identity and/or gender expression.