Diversity and inclusion are consequential elements in creating a just and fair society, especially in the policing field. The diverse and inclusive police force is vital in building trust and legitimacy among the community and ensuring everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
The primary benefit of diverse law enforcement recruitment is widening the demographics of experiences and perspectives. These experiences can help guide law enforcement in handling different challenges. This will lead to practical and creative problem-solving and a better understanding of the diverse cultures and communities that police serve. For example, a police force with officers from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures will be better equipped to respond to the unique needs of communities.
Why Is Diversity Important in Law Enforcement Recruitment?
Diversity in law enforcement is controversial due to sensationalist media and political interpretations. Just because a concept is difficult doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be explored. We’ll be discussing the importance of diverse law enforcement recruitment in the police force.
Need for Diversity in Law Enforcement
Better Communication
Communication is essential for law enforcement. A law enforcement officer’s job is to serve the community, and they cannot do this until they are well-versed in the language of different ethnicities. To tackle this, some major non-English languages should be taught to officers so it can be easier for them to communicate with cultural nuances.
For example, every culture has a different concept of personal space. Understanding the difference between aggression and distinct attitude to personal space is very important.
Earning the Public’s Trust
Along with proper communication, earning the public’s trust is also vital for effective law enforcement recruitment. Understanding the intricacies of different cultures, perceptions of law enforcement officers, and similar experiences in other cultures ensures that your people trust and rely on you. Moreover, understanding that other races and cultures are also welcome in law enforcement agencies is crucial for building public trust.
Changing the Perceptions
Some communities’ attitude toward law enforcement is overwhelmingly negative. They often see law enforcement officers as a threat rather than well-wishers of the community. This negative perception can be changed by diversifying law enforcement. How so? Having representatives from multiple communities helps prevent the perception of being an outsider and builds trust in law enforcement. It also normalizes the behavior of communities within the law enforcement spectrum, allowing officers from across the U.S. to understand their public better. Diverse law enforcement recruitment plays a major role in harmonizing things between the masses.
Importance of Inclusion
Inclusion is essential because it ensures all members of society feel valued and heard. When people feel respected and included, they trust and cooperate with the police and justice system. This is important in communities that were historically marginalized and subjected to injustice by law enforcement.
Having a diverse police force isn’t enough on its own, though. Creating an inclusive environment within the department is also important, where every officer feels welcome, and nobody faces discrimination. This is achievable through education, training programs, practices, and policies promoting equity and inclusivity.
Diversity and inclusion are beneficial for creating a positive and just workplace for officers. It also leads to equitable, competent, and dependable law enforcement agencies for the community. It is also essential to recognize that inclusion and diversity aren’t just about numbers but also about creating a dignified work culture that acknowledges bias and differentiation.
Bottom Line
Inclusivity in any work environment is important, especially in community-serving systems. To be able to connect with the community and resolve their issues are the primary roles of an officer. Due to the controversial history of police and discrimination, it is now necessary to build diverse police forces so the masses can finally put their trust in law enforcement again. James W. Buie is a retired Chief who strongly advocates for inclusive police forces. He has compiled his insights and experiences in his book From the Ground Up to educate people about the divide between the police and the community. Grab your copy and dig deep into this controversy today.
