The effects of ethnicity on career paths of advanced/specialized law enforcement officers

Abstract

The effects of ethnicity on the career paths of advanced and specialized law enformcement officers are examined. Analyses focus on two measures of possible perceived or actual employment discrimination by ethnicity. Ethnicity is found to be a minor indicator of rank compared to experience and education. A differential distribution of rank by ethnicity was found in some departments and in the total sample in some rank categories. Lack of ethnic diversity became increasingly disproportional as rank rose. Analysis of length of assignment shows all minority groups and females proceeding through their career paths more quickly than white males. Findings are presented with policy implications.

Citation

Elmer Polk, O. (1995), "The effects of ethnicity on career paths of advanced/specialized law enforcement officers", Police Studies: Intnl Review of Police Development, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000004467