Community Representation
  • Community Representation- The department should reflect the communities and be responsive to the cultural, racial and gender diversity of the community they serve. Campaign Zero research shows that Black officers are more likely to believe in and push for change within police departments and female officers are less likely to engage in misconduct and excessive force than male officers.

Despite the difficulties in recruitment of Police Officers, we have actively worked to diversify our police department to represent the community we serve. City-data was taken from the 2010 Census and will be updated when the 2020 census is completed. We have a total of 56 sworn officers and police service aides and as of the 2010 census a city population of 29,694.  In addition, we also have 3-female police officers, and 4-female Police Service Aides. Our current city and force make-up are detailed below: 


  • Race
  • % City Population 
  • % Sworn Police Dept.
  • White
  • 81.8
  • 87.4
  • Black
  • 9.5
  • 5.4
  • Asian
  • 4.6
  • 3.6
  • Hispanic
  • 2.6
  • 1.8
  • Other
  • 1.5
  • 1.8


In recent years, to assist with recruitment and help those that do not have the resources to be trained as a Police Officer we have allocated funds to the police academy. This did prove useful in our recruitment efforts. We have also offered incentives by allowing officers that were coming from other departments to start at higher wage steps than entry-level. 


ACTION ITEM: In anticipation that it will continue to be difficult to hire quality officers we will be looking to expand the police academy reimbursement program. We will also be working to develop recruitment videos and plans that reach a diverse recruitment pool. We are not suggesting relaxing standards for officers including background checks and probationary periods as it is vital to have quality employees to maintain a quality community focused department.

Show All Answers

1. End Broken Windows Policing
2. Community Oversight
3. Limit Use of Force
4. Independently Investigate & Prosecute
5. Community Representation
6. Body Cams/Film the Police
7. Training
8. End For-Profit Policing
9. Demilitarization
10. Fair Police Union Contracts