Summary
In the early 1800s, employing a police service that reflected the diversity of the community was a fundamental principle of Sir Robert Peel, the First Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London, England. Nearly 200 years later, Caucasian males still make up the majority of Canadian police officers. Therefore, creating a police service that reflects the diversity of the community remains a priority for politicians, community groups, and police leaders. In addition, rapidly expanding diverse populations and an aging workforce increases the demand and competition to hire new police recruits who reflect the community. This action research project examines recruiting police officers that reflect a diverse community, the success of which relies upon leadership that is committed to diversity by building trusting and collaborative relationships with the community, and creating a professional image of a community-oriented organization that provides professional development opportunities.