Signaling Diversity: A Study of Recruitment Strategies for Female and Minority Police Candidates

R.A. Durbin¹ , A. Cox²

Section:Research Paper, Product Type: Journal-Paper
Vol.8 , Issue.4 , pp.1-5, Dec-2020

Online published on Dec 31, 2020

Copyright © R.A. Durbin, A. Cox . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 

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Abstract :
This article explores how the Signaling Theory can be utilized in developing recruitment strategies focused on attracting female and minority applicants to Law Enforcement organizations. In today`s climate of negative media attention and scrutiny of police officers, recruiting diverse applicants to the law enforcement profession has never been more critical or difficult. This report identifies how organizations can develop strategies to externally signal and attract diverse applicants to their organization and help increase the number of female and minority applicants. The diversity and demographics of police officer race, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds is a critical issue for many communities around the world. For law enforcement to further build community trust and perceptions of equity, organizations must utilize the Signaling Theory to demonstrate their commitment and desire for increasing diversity within the organization and industry. Provided in this article are recommendations founded from research findings and extensive literature reviews for managers and executives to use for improving diversity hires and interest within the law enforcement profession. Using these recommendations and the Signaling Theory, law enforcement organizations can help influence and direct the narrative regarding police, race, and how the law enforcement industry desires female and minority officers to join the ranks and improve the profession.

Key-Words / Index Term :
Signaling Theory, Recruitment, Female Recruitment, Minority Recruitment, Police, Law Enforcement, Diversity Hiring

References :
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