In recent years, lack of diversity in law enforcement agencies became a hot topic throughout the United States. After several high-profile police deadly force encounters, two federal studies examined issues facing the profession, resulting in the “Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing,” and “Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement.”
A repeated concern was that many agencies do not reflect the diversity of the communities they police. While increasing diversity in police and sheriff’s departments is ideal, it may be easier said than done.
The studies recommended increasing female and visible minority recruiting efforts. They also suggested that agencies offer more transparency with their current organizational structure.
Will it hurt your organization by offering a glimpse at its demographic composition? Will the public view it as a sign of good faith to provide increased transparency? With LEAD™, your agency has access to the Law Enforcement Agency Demographic Employment Records (LEADER™) section, which allows you to display agency employment statistics for public viewing.
LEADER™ also makes applicant statistics viewable, offering a look at the breakdown of candidates applying to your agency. This factor may explain the differences in your agency’s demographics and the population it serves.
