Police officers’ attitudes toward diversity issues

Abstract

Policing in a multicultural society presents particular challenges both to officers and community residents. This study addresses police officers’ perceptions of multicultural skills, values, and training needed to serve diverse communities better. Of particular interest is whether police supervisors and non-supervisors differ in their attitudes toward multicultural skills, multicultural values, and receptiveness toward diversity training. Results of a web-based survey from over 500 police officers in Rhode Island suggest perceptions of multicultural skills, multicultural values, and training varied by supervisory status and years of experience.