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This research investigated strategies related to
sworn police department staffing in diverse commu-
nities. The significance of the research was to assess
whether police officer racial and ethnic makeup
needs to mirror the population in the community
served or if cultural awareness training can serve as
an alternative in lieu thereof, for effective delivery
of services. The research addressed three principle
questions that related to staffing and service delivery.
This was a qualitative, single case study. In addition
to a literature review of what other organizations
have learned, the research included an interview
process with three groups of three participants using
fifteen semi-structured questions.
E
ach participant was also asked to rate their perspective of significance
for each interview question to determine their perspective on how im-
portant the question related to the research project. The interview participants
included police administrators, officers, a human resource manager, an elected
official and residents of three municipalities. The interview results were com-
pared to a literature review to reach a conclusion. The research concluded that
mirroring police officer staffing to community population was a desirable goal
that was not possible, but cultural awareness training was the realistic alterna-
tive. The conclusion provided a recommendation for those in police leader-
ship positions to recruit for diverse staffing, and mandate cultural awareness
training on a regular basis. The benefit of conducting this research provided
guidance in staffing law enforcement workforces to effectively meet the chal-
lenges of the present with a foundation for the demands of the future.
INTRODUCTION
The most visible component of government in many communities is
the presence of the police department. That presence may be in the form of a
marked patrol car, an officer in uniform, and a police station. In many com-
munities, police headquarters are the only part of government that is staffed
and open for business around the clock, seven days a week. People come to
the police for many reasons that include making arrests. When situations
occur, the police are always available and are called upon for assistance. In
most cases, the police have resources available themselves or by referral to
other law enforcement and government agencies. Regardless of race or eth-