Police Personnel And The Community: Recruitment

Police Personnel and the Community Name Institutional Affiliation Police Personnel and the Community Recruitment of law enforcement officers varies across the states and local levels. Nevertheless, at all levels, it involves more than just filling applications and engaging in interviews. The applicants undergo a comprehensive series of tests and exams that are designed to identify the most qualified individuals to join the force. Each state has a commission or similar entity that provides the recommendations for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). From a general perspective, the potential candidates make the initial applications and the prescreening questionnaires are administered to identify the interest and eligibility of the individual. Subsequently, the qualified candidates are invited to take examinations that include written exams, physical fitness, drug tests, psychological tests, polygraphs, and medical exams. The police agencies at the state level use the POST to meet the minimum standards, although some departments might require standards than those established by the state. At the federal, state, and local levels, the basic requirements of being recruited include being a US citizen, at least 21 years of age, education requirements, valid driving license, and minimum physical fitness requirements. Issues that might disqualify an individual from being recruited include being convicted of a felony, any misdemeanours, domestic abuse and the sexual abuse convictions, drug abuse, and financial problems among others. The recruitment and selection procedure is fundamental to ensure that the employees can communicate and serve effectively in the diverse population. The police departments invest substantially in the recruitment and selection process to ensure the candidates can complete the training and perform admirably after graduation. Additionally, the training focuses on building the traits and capabilities that make good workers who can contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of any department at the national, state, and local levels. The recruits must finish the police academy program and a field-training period to be fully employed officers. The US Commission on Civil Rights highlights that the law enforcement agencies have an imperative role in protecting civil rights in the diverse American community. The law enforcement agencies can be achieved by increased recruitment and hiring of women and minorities to represent the people served by agencies. Notably, most police departments lack these aspects that can promote community relations, cultural sensitivity, and appreciate diversity. The lack of diversity within the police workforce continues to present substantial challenges in the country. The underutilization of minorities and women within the law enforcement hampers the ability of these agencies to engage effectively and earn respect from the communities. Consequently, this raises the tension and violence between the public and the law enforcement. The inclusion of women and minorities offer an opportunity to handle situations rationally in cases that involves female suspects or where operations are undertaken in communities that speak other languages. Increased efficiency in recruitment and selection procedures can enhance diversity within the police force and help the police agencies to benefit from the interaction and respect gained from the community. The inclusion of women and minorities, sufficient on-the-job training, human relations, and social services can enhance the outcomes of the police forces across...