Discuss the benefits of a diverse police force.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. In 1986, Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens spoke for many in the criminal justice system when he observed that "an integrated police force could develop a better relationship [with a racially diverse citizenry] and therefore do a more effective job of maintaining law and order than a force composed of white officers." Despite the effects of double marginality, African American officers may have more credibility in a predominantly black neighborhood than white police officers, leading to better community-police relations and a greater ability to solve and prevent crimes. Certainly, in the Mexican American communities typical of border states such as Arizona, Texas, and California, many Latino officers are able to gather information that would be very difficult for non-Spanish-speaking officers to collect. Finally, the best argument for a diverse police force is that members of minority groups represent a broad source of talent in America, and such talent can only enhance the overall effectiveness of American law enforcement.