NCJ Number
161901
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 29-38
Date Published
1996
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the political controversy surrounding affirmative action and race norming and the extent to which minority groups were represented in 19 municipal police departments across the United States.
Abstract
Data were obtained from police chiefs and public safety commissioners in each of the 19 cities on the number of Hispanic, Asian, and female police officers. Hispanic Americans were much more successful than Asian Americans and women in translating their sizable community population into increased representation in municipal law enforcement. In absolute numbers, however, more women had been hired as police officers than Hispanic Americans. Asian Americans tended to view police work as an undesirable career option. Despite the underrepresentation of women and minority groups as sworn police officers, some police departments initiated cultural diversity and sensitivity training. The objective was to improve relations with minority communities. The authors note that the critical issue in the study is whether cultural diversity, as it applies to employment in municipal police organizations, helps police departments improve their effectiveness in communities. 46 references and 3 tables