When your reputation precedes you: strategic recruitment for enhancing diversity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides a discussion of evidence supporting strategic, targeted recruitment for increasing minority representation in police agencies in the context of negative reputations for inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Database searching along with backward and forward citation chaining identified 145 articles for review. After extracting the recruitment strategies mentioned that had empirical support for effectiveness, a framework was developed for categorizing those strategies.

Findings

Police agencies use some evidence-based practices (e.g. community engagement) but could do more to enhance diversity. Strategy applicability in the context of limited organizational diversity or a less positive reputation as an inclusive employer is discussed.

Practical implications

This review provides a clear set of recommended best practices for agencies to use in evaluating and enhancing their efforts at targeted recruiting.

Originality/value

Reviews of recruiting practices in policing have not provided a deep consideration of the evidence base for practice effectiveness nor considered practices that have support in non-policing contexts. Our review addresses the concerns of agencies that must address a less positive image regarding diversity and inclusion.

Citation

Holmes, J. and Ryan, A.M. (2024), "When your reputation precedes you: strategic recruitment for enhancing diversity", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 47 No. 5, pp. 770-785. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-04-2024-0068