Report Reveals LGBTQ+ People Face Higher Rates of Police Mistreatment — And It’s Affecting When They Call for Help

A new review has shed light on a long-standing but often overlooked issue: LGBTQ+ people are far more likely to experience negative interactions with law enforcement than non-LGBTQ+ individuals. This pattern, according to experts, is discouraging many from seeking help when they need it most.

The report, released by the Williams Institute, analyzed more than 25 years of research on the relationship between LGBTQ+ communities and the police. The findings raise serious concerns about mistreatment, trust, and public safety.

LGBTQ+ People Are More Likely to Be Stopped, Searched, and Arrested

Across multiple studies, LGBTQ+ individuals reported higher rates of police encounters than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. According to the review:

• 51% of LGBTQ+ people have been stopped by police (compared to 42% of non-LGBTQ+ people)

• 27% have been searched (vs. 16%)

• 20% have been arrested (vs. 14%)

• 19% have been held in custody (vs. 14%)

Lead author Joshua Arrayales, a Law Fellow at the Williams Institute, said these experiences have lasting effects.

“Experiences of police mistreatment may discourage LGBTQ people from reporting crimes or engaging with law enforcement,” he explained. “Accurate crime reporting is essential for effective crime prevention and support services.”

Raids, Entrapment, and Distrust Still Persist

The study notes that police tactics such as raids and entrapment continue to influence how LGBTQ+ communities see law enforcement.
Over the last 12 months alone, 21% of LGBTQ+ respondents reported at least one police-initiated contact, compared to 15% of non-LGBTQ+ participants.

LGBQ people were also six times more likely to have been stopped in a public space (6% vs. 1%).

Transgender People Face Even Greater Risks

The numbers become even more concerning when focusing on transgender respondents.

• 46% of trans people say they would hesitate to call police for help.

• Only 33% say they would feel comfortable contacting law enforcement.

This hesitation can create dangerous situations where individuals choose to avoid seeking help, even in emergencies.

Why Many LGBTQ+ People Don’t Call the Police

A significant share of LGBTQ+ people reported avoiding police even when they needed help:

• 13% of LGBQ individuals said they avoided contacting police during a crisis

• 22% said they would not contact police again — compared to just 6% of the general population

This shows a major gap in trust and safety.

Negative Interactions Impact More Than Just the Moment

According to Christy Mallory, Interim Executive Director and Legal Director at the Williams Institute, the effects go beyond the immediate incident.

“Research has found associations between police violence and harassment and binge drinking, stress, depression, and other negative health outcomes,” Mallory said.

This reinforces the idea that policing issues for LGBTQ+ communities are not just about fairness — they are about mental health, public safety, and long-term wellbeing.