Kamenetz & Police Chief Admit ‘Strategic’ Effort to Recruit Women & Minorities Over White Males

Baltimore County’s Latest Police Recruit Class Continues Progress in Diversifying Department

Jun 15, 2017 2:42:00 PM EDT

Kamenetz reports that 56% of new class is minority or female

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced that the police recruit class that began this week continues to move the County forward toward his goal of ensuring that the police department reflects the communities it serves. Minorities or women comprise 56 percent of the class that began Monday, June 12; African Americans comprise 34 percent. Over the past six years, the County’s recruit classes have averaged more than 40% minority and nearly 30% female candidates, while continuing to attract an outstanding caliber of officers.

“In 2011, I made a commitment to the people of Baltimore County that we would increase the number of minorities and females in the Baltimore County Police Department,” said Kamenetz.  “As a result of these efforts, our communities are safer than ever because people have more confidence in the decisions that police officers make when the department reflects the diversity of the community.”

“Kevin Kamenetz is a man of his word,” said Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, Pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church. “From day one he said that he would diversify the Baltimore County Police Department, and he has done just that. This is what leadership looks like.”

“I am very proud of the concerted effort that the police department has put forth in an effort to diversify our ranks,” said Police Chief Terrence B. Sheridan. “These types of recruitment numbers don’t just happen, they are the result of a very strategic and focused effort by our recruit staff.”

The police department has used a number of traditional and non-traditional methods to attract minority and female candidates, including ads on radio, television and MTA busses; college recruitment, community information sessions and extensive outreach to community and faith-based organizations.

“There is no more important responsibility as County Executive than to make our communities safe and secure,” concluded County Executive Kamenetz. “We have outstanding men and women who protect us each and every day, and when the department reflects the County’s growing diversity, our officers and our citizens are safer.”

 

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE: http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/BaltimoreCountyNow/baltimore-county-s-latest-police-recruit-class-continues-progress-in-diversifying-department