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CUPD Crime Scene Investigator/Property & Evidence Specialist Amber Snell (fourth from the left) receiving the Joanne Arnold Courage and Commitment Award, presented by the CU Boulder Center for Inclusion and Social Change's Pride Office at Lavender Graduation on May 10, 2024.

If you see a CU Boulder police officer or professional staff member this month, you may notice something extra on their uniforms: a pride pin, designed by the department’s LGBTQ+ liaison Amber Snell.

The crime scene investigator and property and evidence specialist stepped up to fill the role in 2023 and has since become highly engaged with the Pride Office, part of CU Boulder’s Center for Inclusion and Social Change.

She has stopped by with breakfast burritos, sought out specialized police training to improve accuracy in reporting and investigating bias-motivated crimes and has helped build trust with community members who have historically had strained relationships with law enforcement. 

Pride pin, designed by Snell, to be worn by CUPD officers and professional staff throughout the month of June, widely recognized as Pride Month.

Snell asked CUPD to sign a letter of support for the project, designed to build trust through meaningful partnerships, education and community engagement. CUPD is one of 16 and organizations, and the only university police department so far. 

“We are incredibly grateful for Amber’s leadership, passion and positive impact on not just our department but the entire campus,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst. “She’s a true advocate for meaningful change and stronger relationships with everyone in our community,” she added.

Members of CUPD recently completed Respect in Reporting training, sponsored by and offered through Safety in Pride. The project and training are funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. The training provides participants with a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ terms, how to properly engage with and build trust with community members, and guidance on accurate reporting.

Snell was for her work, receiving the Joanne Arnold Courage and Commitment Award, which recognizes students, faculty or staff members who make significant contributions to the education and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

"We are impressed with the passion that Amber has brought to her position as a liaison between CUPD and the Pride Office,” said Morgan Seamont, Pride Office program director. “She has worked diligently this year to ensure CUPD is educated on how to best serve the LGBTQ+ population and show their support for our community. Her work shows a commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people and our community are treated with the highest respect." 

Snell said inspiration for the pride pin came from noticing other department’s Pride Month badges and pins. “I thought, ‘Why can’t we have that, too?’” Snell scrapped her initial pin design, which she felt wasn’t representative of the entire community, and asked for a redesign that included the trans flag and black and brown to represent people of color. 

“I wanted everyone represented in a pin that our department could wear, to show support for the community we serve,” she said. 

Look for the pride pins throughout the month of June, and the advocacy and engagement to continue indefinitely.