Page 13 - The Black Lives Matter Movement

of the 5 percent who were not in favor of body cams cited privacy
concerns or fears that the video footage could be posted publicly
online. But according to criminal justice expert David Roberts,
these body cam opponents are not likely to hold out much lon-
ger. “Ultimately, they’re going to need to adopt it,” says Roberts.
“Juries, prosecutors and the courts will demand it.” 74
By providing video evidence of offi cers’ actions, body and
dash cams provide reassurance to the community that offi cers will
be held accountable for their actions. The presence of such cam-
eras is also thought to infl uence police behavior, leading to fewer
incidences of police misconduct. In addition, captured video can

Efforts to Achieve Diversity

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a city where 64 percent of the population is nonwhite.
Law enforcement of cials in Milwaukee understand the importance of a police
force that re ects its citizens. “Clearly, we have to be re ective of all the com-
munities we serve,” says Milwaukee police chief Edward Flynn. “That’s part of
achieving trust and legitimacy.” Yet only 34 percent of Milwaukee’s of cers and
command staff are minorities, and this gure has not changed since 2008. Ac-
cording to an analysis by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, black of cers account
for just 18 percent of the Milwaukee police force, and Hispanics account for 13
percent. Police academies have recruited a diverse pool of people, but many of
them have dropped out.
To attract and retain quali ed minorities, the Milwaukee Police Department
has enacted measures that will hopefully make a positive difference. The de-
partment developed a ride-share program to help recruits get to work. To help
them stay focused, the department sends out text and e-mail reminders. Also
implemented was a mentoring program that involves practice test sessions to
help recruits pass the tests necessary to become police of cers. “I think so many
of [these recruits] don’t have supporters saying I’ll drive you to the test, set the
alarm clock, ask what time is that appointment?” says Flynn. “Even somebody in
their early 20s still doesn’t have their act entirely together.”

Quoted in Ashley Luthern and Kevin Crowe, “Milwaukee Police Department Struggles to Increase Diversity in
the Ranks,” Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, April 1, 2017. www.jsonline.com.

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