Policy Development: Part I

The final project will consist of three separate assignments that focus on identifying the need for a diversity hiring policy within law enforcement agencies. Part I asks you to write a problem statement, justify the need for the policy, and provide an overview to the assignment.  

Law Enforcement Organizations face an increasing struggle with hiring police officers. Additionally, there is a need to consider assembling a police force that resembles the communities that are being served. An increased focus on civil liberties, the rise to prominence of advocacy groups such as Black Lives Matter and police-involved shootings have all combined to create an urgency for law enforcement agencies to be responsive to the need for diversity within the force.  

As the policy manager for your law enforcement organization, please research the best practices related to diversity hiring and develop a department policy. This research should include interviews with your local law enforcement leaders to determine how they are addressing this issue. Part I of this assignment requires you to determine the need for the policy, establish the justification for having such a policy, and presenting a statement of the problem as you would with any proposal.  Write as if you are trying to convince your chief of the need for having a diversity hiring policy. You should also provide an overview of the policy components, a background of the problem, and basic goals for the policy. 

Part I should be 3-5 pages in length, written in APA format, include an introduction, and provide at least two peer-reviewed references. You do not need an abstract for this assignment. For Part I you need not include the results from any interviews with law enforcement leaders. 

Diversity Hiring Policy: Part I is to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 3.