NCJ Number
75809
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A Director of Police in Newark, N.J., is interviewed for his views on racism in law enforcement, the aims of a police organization promoting respect for the police, entrance tests and physical requirements for police candidates, and police-community relations.
Abstract
The speaker explains that a certain amount of racist feelings among police officers may be unavoidable; however, officers must perform their duties without regard to the race and religion of those they serve. Equal services must be rendered to all groups. In addition, disparaging remarks from officers about particular races, ethnic groups, or religions should not be allowed, for these may harm the relationships between the police and the community. NOBLE is a police organization which aims to increase public respect for the police and thereby improve the status of the law enforcement profession. Such respect is necessary to the effective functioning of police departments, which depend on community support in the fulfillment of their tasks. Furthermore, this organization encourages the hiring of additional minority law enforcement officers without a decline in police standards. Entrance tests have often blocked the recruitment of members of minority groups, but such tests are inappropriate because they have not been validated. Similarly, women have been prevented from becoming police officers because they could not meet certain physical requirements that are not realistically job related. Finally, to help improve police-community relations in Newark, the police department has initiated community forums in which police executives meet with community residents to learn about community values, problems, and attitudes. Supplementary materials are not provided.