The Suffolk Police Department has announced the appointment of two liaisons to the LGBTQ community.

Detective Sean Rowan and Detective Tiffany Whitten are the first such liaisons in the department’s history, according to a city press release. The liaison program mirrored after a similar program introduced by the Norfolk Police Department in 2015.

The liaison program will serve members of the community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning.

“The Suffolk Police Department recognizes and values the importance of community outreach and the need to ensure that all of its members are treated with respect and dignity,” the press release stated. “This new position will provide opportunities for any person who feels the need to express their concerns or opinions regarding the manner in which the Suffolk Police Department exercises its mission to serve and protect.”

The position also will serve as a resource for members of the LGBTQ community who are victims of violent crimes and crimes motivated by hate, according to the press release.

“Oftentimes, these crimes go unreported, resulting in a cycle of violence,” the press release stated.

Detective Rowan joined the Suffolk Police Department in September 2014 and was promoted to detective in December 2016.

Detective Whitten joined the Suffolk Police Department in December 2010 and was promoted to detective in April 2016.

Both are currently assigned to the criminal investigations division.

The position was endorsed by Hampton Roads Pride, according to the press release.