The DEN – Equality and Diversity in the Workplace: Police Services

By KLTV Newsdesk –

It is important for companies and their leaders to emphasise inclusion and diversity in the workplace. In addition to making companies more welcoming, such initiatives will allow employees to feel more at ease and like they can advance within it.

There are different types of workplace environments, however, the subject of discussion today is law enforcement.

Why is diversity important within the law enforcement and police service?

While there have been many issues regarding racism and sexism between law enforcement and the community, it is imperative that law enforcement be diverse to better understand the community. Having this diversity at work can not only create a diverse workforce but also one where members learn from each other’s cultures.

In addition, diversity is important for whatever job you have as a police officer since you are out in the community, interacting with the public and protecting it at the same time. Therefore, gaining the trust of the public is crucial. It is much easier to accomplish your duties as a police officer when you are trusted.

But how does diversity affect your ability to gain the trust of the public? It has been observed that police agencies with diversity are more likely to gain the trust of society because they can see how inclusive the officers are.

Imagine that you are a police officer conversing with a person whose language isn’t their first language, but there is an officer with you who understands them. This will allow the conversation to proceed more civilly and amicably, therefore them trusting you.

The Guardian, also stated in a discussion regarding Diversity among police officers that: “a diverse police force can also help to decrease the sense that individuals are being stopped and questioned solely because of their race.”

As a workforce, a diverse group of officers are not able to be always together at the same time. However, it is a crucial step to progress forward and show diversity.

What can police departments do to maintain diversity and equality?

General knowledge isn’t enough, especially when working within the police department. It is important for police forces to receive the appropriate training where it is then safe for the officers to conduct their work and protect civilians.

During the hiring process, recruiters should be aware of not allowing bias to influence their decision during the hiring and that they include a diverse amount of people (depending on skills and requirements).

Also important is having a strong leader, a leader who can respond and create a strong message regarding inclusivity.

An example set by Metropolitan Police Service was that in 2015, when it came to hiring, they recruited officers who could speak one or more of 20 spoken languages in London. This resulted in 5,000 applications to join the Met and has increased the diversity of languages spoken in the organisation.

 Loading ...

The Digital Equality Network Kirklees aims to share equality legislation for all with a specific view to African & Asian descendants as well as minority rights.

We give the voluntary, third, public and private sectors a platform to collaborate and celebrate diversity and inclusion. It debates and explores how individual organisations can make a difference within their local authority, community, and businesses to eradicate all forms of discrimination. Find out more about the den at www.kirkleeslocaltv.com/the-den