Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) Community Liaison

In August 2015, the Norfolk Police Department appointed the first LGBTQ+ community liaison, Sergeant Craig Lovelace, who served in the position until his retirement. Sergeant Steven Bissett was officially appointed to the LGBTQ+ Liaison position in May 2023. The LGBTQ+ community liaison focuses on the public safety needs of the following communities as well as their allied partners:

• Bisexual
• Gay
• Lesbian
• Questioning
• Transgender

In addition to public safety, Sergeant Bissett serves as a resource to elevate the specific concerns and needs of Norfolk's LGBTQ+ community members. While Sergeant Bissett serves as the LBGTQ+ Liaison, the Norfolk Police Department recognizes that there are many LGBTQ+ individuals and allies that serve on the department in different assignments and they work in partnership with Sergeant Bissett to address concerns of the community and provide quality service and community engagement.

Advocate for Our Community

Sergeant Bissett has been an advocate with and for the LGBTQ+ community and has assisted in multiple recruitment events during the Hampton Roads Pride Festivals. He is a current member of the Hampton Roads Pride and has built relationships with liaisons from multiple agencies in the Hampton Roads area through his participation in the LGBTQ+ Public Safety Consortium. 

Personal Life

Sergeant Bissett has been a member of the Norfolk Police Department since 2012. During his time with the Norfolk Police Department, Sergeant Bissett has served in the First, Second, and Third Precincts, the Traffic Unit, Detective Division, and is currently assigned to the Technology Support Unit. He is a member of the Norfolk Police Honor Guard and Hostage Crisis Negotiation Team. Sergeant Bissett is a resident of the City of Norfolk and resides with his partner.