NCJ Number
144657
Journal
Policing and Society Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 177-188
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A survey was conducted to determine whether minorities in multi-ethnic work groups within the Dutch police force, like their American counterparts, face special problems because of their ethnicity.
Abstract
Researchers interviewed respondents individually and in trios, 31 groups consisting of a minority officer, a majority colleague, and their supervisor. Findings were more positive than expected. Although minority officers do face discrimination, they show no particular signs of inferior performance or diminished feelings of well-being. They seem to be less easily accepted when they come in under the affirmative action program, which was introduced by the Dutch police. Most respondents reported that they like working in a multi-ethnic group and feel that minority officers help improve the quality of police work. Some highlights from the interviews are cited. Recommendations are that the reasons for introducing an affirmative action program should be made clear, and manager, perhaps all personnel, should be trained to work with ethnic groups. Further, it is necessary to gain strong and public commitment from higher management, and to get minorities into all levels of the organization. 4 figures, 5 tables, and 12 references