Police officer perceptions of diversity efforts: a disconnect between the goals and the methods

ABSTRACT

Diversifying law enforcement agencies to reflect the communities they serve has continued to be a difficult task worldwide. Research has focused on evaluating diversity initiatives in terms of staffing demographic changes, but the perspective of officers working in departments aiming to diversify is often missing. This study examines officers’ perceptions of diversity initiatives in practice. Qualitative analysis indicated officers were supportive of diversifying; however, nearly all officers, regardless of gender or race/ethnicity, were concerned with the methods used. Findings revealed that officers: 1) doubted the merit of their own achievements, 2) perceived promotion/assignment practices as ambiguous, 3) felt politics created symbolic changes, and 4) wanted to inform future diversity efforts. Findings suggest that officer perspectives, particularly from underrepresented groups, are needed to better understand why diversity initiatives have yielded minimal change and to build more effective practices to increase diversity and retain diverse personnel.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity
• officer representation
• policing demographics
• diverse police

Disclosure statement

The data used in the current study were collected as part of a larger organizational climate assessment. After the completion of the assessment, both authors were asked to conduct an interim assessment and a full follow-up two years later. Dr. Barao has also continued to serve as a research partner with this department on other crime and violence reduction projects.

Notes

1. Analysis of the survey data is not utilized in the current study because questions regarding diversity initiatives were not included.

2. Full interview instrument can be found in the supplemental materials.

3. Although additional characteristics of the respondent (e.g., rank, tenure) may be useful for understanding quotes, we limit the characteristics to minimize the risk of deductive exposure of participant identities. The participant numbers are used to differentiate voices while still protecting respondent identities.

Additional information

Funding

The data used in the current study were collected as part of a larger organizational climate assessment of the department and funding to conduct the organizational climate assessment came from the city.

Notes on contributors

Chelsea Farrell

Chelsea Farrell is an Assistant Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at the University of Rhode Island. She received her Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Policy from Northeastern University. Her research focuses on how identity and context shape behavior, victimization, and experiences within policing and the criminal justice system more broadly.

Lisa Barao

Lisa Barao is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Westfield State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Policy from Northeastern University. Her research focus involves collaborating with criminal justice and community-based organizations to examine crime prevention and violence reduction strategies, evaluate law enforcement technology, and explore issues related to police organizational culture.