AUSTIN, Texas - As a continuing education instructor, Senior Police Officer Greg Abbink teaches Austin Police Department members a number of courses, from impartial policing to tactical report writing.
“The officers are taught here to be respectful,” Abbink said. “We may not all sound the same, or look the same, or believe in the same thing. Our officers act responsibility and respectfully in their interactions with individuals on a daily basis and don’t let personal feelings get in the way of providing the best service.”
The army veteran said he knows from personal experience. After 10 years on the force, Abbink started his transition in 2014.
Ever since, he said he has been embraced by his fellow officers.
“I have felt the safest here at APD,” Abbink said. “It’s a testament to the men and women here, of me feeling courageous enough to come out in such a big environment."
Austin Mayor Steve Adler wanted to remind people of the support after President Donald Trump tweeted about military transgender ban.
Law enforcement agencies across Texas are inviting transgender people to join their ranks.
“When trouble starts, when bullets start flying, I personally don’t care who is coming to my assistance as long as it’s another officer,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. “I don’t care their gender, whether they’re transgender male or female. I don’t care if they’re black, white or Hispanic”
Abbink said he hopes other employers feel the same way too.
“We’re all human beings and we all have worth and we all have value equally, unequivocally,” he said.
A spokesman for the Austin Police Department says it recruits all qualified people to join the department.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be a current U.S. citizen (born or naturalized).
- Age must fall between 20.5 and 45 years of age at the time of application.
- High school diploma, high school transcripts or GED.
- Valid and current driver's license.
The application process will open before the fall. For more information visit apdrecruiting.org.