Danielle Camille Woods
Officer Danielle Camille Woods is a local and state leader that works tirelessly to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ community and law enforcement. A 20-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, Officer Woods is no stranger to the historically troubled relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ community in the predominantly Black city of Detroit. Seeing and experiencing this firsthand for years, Officer Woods knew she had to do something to change the narrative. She had the opportunity to do just that when she was assigned to the Chief’s Neighborhood Liaison Unit as the first ever LGBTQ Liaison for the Detroit Police Department. Since being appointed Liaison in 2013, Officer Woods has worked tumultuously to repair the negative relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ community by attending and presenting trainings, conferences, and creating spaces where both audiences can engage in positive yet productive dialog to establish understanding and equality. Officer Woods openly identifies as member of the LGBTQ community and is an active and driving force in her role as Liaison as well as having a strong presence in representing for both entities.
Officer Woods established the first LGBTQ Advisory Board that works in partnership with law enforcement to address concerns of the LGBTQ community and to eradicate negative stereotypes that exist within and out of both entities. As a result of this, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation listed Detroit, MI as one of three cities in Michigan with a perfect score of 100% on the 2016 & 2017 Municipal Equality Index Scorecard in terms of law enforcement engagement and interaction and relationships with the LBGTQ community.
Officer Woods is also helping the community on a larger scale. She created the first LGBTQ Community Council, inviting members of the LGBTQ community to come together to share their concerns around law enforcement and hopes for the future. This forum has become a safe and trustworthy space for the LGBTQ community that had been ignored and ostracized for too long.