Ethnic Diversity in the New Zealand Police: Staff Perspectives

Abstract

Over seas research suggests benefits in having staff from ethnic minorities for po licing multicultural communities. This study ‐ part of a larger study investigating recruitment barriers and retention issues of ethnic minorities in the New Zealand Police ‐ presents the views of personnel from minority cultures about how they experience their professional roles within the organisation. The paper pre ents data from twenty in‐depth interviews conducted with police staff from one police region. Results of the study support overseas research and highlight New Zealand ‐ specific issues. While the sample size is small, the in‐depth interviews provide a rich data source. The paper presents new insights into how New Zealand Police officers from a range of cultural backgrounds perceive the contribution a culturally diverse workforce can make to policing. The study has practical implications for police recruitment and diversity policies.

Citation

Jaeger, S. and Vitalis, T. (2005), "Ethnic Diversity in the New Zealand Police: Staff Perspectives", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 14-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150510787926