By Jaimie Julia Winters
Growing up in Kearny, Nicole Cain spent much of her youth and early college years worrying about how others would view her if they knew she was a lesbian.
Today, she serves her hometown in a very different role.
In 2022, Cain was appointed as the Kearny Police Department’s first LGBTQ+ liaison, becoming a key resource for both the community and fellow officers. Now a sergeant in the department’s Professional Standards and Training Unit, Cain reflected with Kearny Life on the progress she has witnessed in Kearny and within the police department as communities across New Jersey celebrate Pride Month.
A Kearny native and Kearny High School graduate, Cain was selected for the liaison position as part of a statewide initiative aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement agencies and LGBTQ+ communities. Four years later, she continues to serve in the role while helping guide department training and professional standards.
The statewide LGBTQ+ Law Enforcement Liaison Program was created to provide support, training, and outreach opportunities that foster trust between police agencies and LGBTQ+ residents. Within Kearny, the role serves a dual purpose — acting as both a community resource and an internal advisor to officers handling LGBTQ+-related issues.
“Being selected as the liaison for the department was definitely a proud moment for me,” Cain said.
Her own perspective enlightens others
A nine-year veteran of the department, Cain said her own experiences growing up shaped her perspective on the importance of visibility and acceptance.
“Since joining the Kearny Police Department, I have received nothing but respect and fairness from members of this department and the citizens of Kearny,” she said.
At the time the position was created, department leaders recognized a growing need for dedicated outreach. While exact local statistics were unavailable, officials observed an increase in interactions involving LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. Hudson County continues to have one of the state’s largest LGBTQ+ populations, making it increasingly important for officers to be equipped to address issues ranging from domestic violence and sexual assault investigations to name changes, gender identity, and pronoun use.
“The Chief and Deputy Chief saw that a specifically assigned liaison could not only provide a sense of comfort to residents, but also provide professional advice to members of the police department who were faced with various complex LGBTQ+ issues,” Cain said.
As part of the statewide program, Cain joins more than 150 law enforcement professionals from agencies across New Jersey, including the New Jersey State Police, municipal departments, parole officers, corrections personnel, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Members regularly attend Pride events throughout the year, providing a visible law enforcement presence while engaging directly with community members.
“The main goal of this program is to establish visibility in our communities, which helps foster trust,” Cain explained.
Within the department, Cain serves as a resource for officers seeking guidance on LGBTQ+-related matters. She said maintaining open dialogue and creating a judgment-free environment allows officers to ask questions and better understand the communities they serve.
Since her appointment, Cain has witnessed meaningful progress in Kearny’s LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion efforts.
Notable changes within the community
Among the most notable milestones was Kearny’s proclamation officially recognizing June as Pride Month, along with the town’s annual Pride flag-raising ceremony at American Revolution Bicentennial Park.
Cain also pointed to the creation of a Gay-Straight Alliance club at Kearny High School as a sign of changing attitudes.
“When I was a student there, a club like that didn’t exist,” she said. “Nor did anyone even talk about being part of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Within the police department, Cain drafted and finalized a Standard Operating Procedure establishing best practices for handling LGBTQ+-sensitive incidents. The policy aligns closely with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines governing law enforcement interactions with transgender individuals.
Growth is still needed
While progress has been made, Cain said concerns remain among some LGBTQ+ residents. Common issues include fears of discrimination, hesitation to report crimes because of past negative experiences with law enforcement, and questions about how police departments understand and address LGBTQ+ issues.
To address those concerns, the department has emphasized officer training focused on respectful interactions, bias incident investigations and professionalism. Kearny Police have also begun the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police accreditation process, which includes reviewing policies and procedures to ensure they meet legal requirements and community needs.
As Pride Month celebrations continue, Cain hopes residents know that the department is committed to serving everyone fairly.
“We want residents not to be afraid to report crimes, seek assistance. and interact with our department members knowing they will be treated with dignity without bias or judgment,” she said. “Your safety matters, your concerns matter, and your voice matters.”
For those seeking to serve
For young LGBTQ+ people considering careers in law enforcement or public service, Cain offers a simple message: pursue your goals confidently.
“A career in public service is one of the most rewarding careers out there,” she said. “Do not allow concerns about being accepted to discourage you from pursuing your dreams.”
She noted that the Kearny Police Department currently has eight officers who identify as LGBTQ+, a significant increase from when she joined the force in 2017.
“We’ve come a long way,” Cain said. “And that progress shows what’s possible when people feel supported and valued for who they are.”
Cain is available to assist residents seeking non-emergency police services and can be reached through the Kearny Police Department.
