The Los Angeles Police Department will open a transgender-only jail next month for transgender detainees, to ensure their wellbeing and safety while under lock-up. The 24 bed jail will be situated at the women’s prison and will be the first jail of its kind in the nation.

According to Captain Dave Lindsay it is a ‘major change for the city and will allow for an environment that is safe and secure, as there’s been a history of violence among transgender people.’

Police Chief Charlie Beck spoke at a community meeting in Hollywood where they discussed specific issues relating to transgender residents. At the meeting he made the announcement about the jail and told the group that the police department would also be training staff in appropriate ways to communicate with transgender folk, including calling them by the name and gender they prefer.

Currently in Queensland, transgender members of the community who are to be incarcerated will be sent to either a male of female jail, with their genitalia being the determining factor. E.g. A male to female transgendered person who lives as a woman and has had breast implants but still has male genitalia will be sent to a male only prison.  Prison authorities  however always endeavour to house transgender inmates in an area that will ensure their safety.