- A lack of diversity in the pool of qualified applicants. The state police require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as a valid driver's license and a clean criminal record. However, these qualifications do not necessarily reflect the skills and experiences that are necessary to be a successful trooper. For example, a person who grew up in a rural area may have more experience driving on unpaved roads and dealing with wildlife than someone who grew up in a city.
- A lack of outreach to minority communities. The state police have made some efforts to recruit minority candidates, but they have not always been successful. For example, the department has held job fairs in minority communities, but the turnout has often been low.
- A history of discrimination. The state police have been accused of discrimination in the past. For example, in the 1970s, the department was sued for racial discrimination in hiring. The case was settled out of court, but the department has continued to be criticized for its lack of diversity.
- Implicit bias. Implicit bias is the unconscious stereotyping of people based on their race or ethnicity. This can lead to discrimination, even when people are not consciously aware of their biases. For example, a trooper may be more likely to stop a black driver for a minor infraction than a white driver, even if there is no evidence that the black driver is more likely to be committing a crime.
Making the state police force more representative is a challenge, but it is an important goal. A more diverse police force would be better able to serve the needs of all of Michigan's residents.
Here are some specific steps that the state police could take to increase diversity:
- Expand the pool of qualified applicants. The state police should work with community organizations and schools to identify potential applicants who may not be aware of the opportunities available in law enforcement. This could include reaching out to minority students in high school and college and offering them information about the state police academy.
- Increase outreach to minority communities. The state police should hold job fairs and other events in minority communities to let people know about the opportunities available in law enforcement. The department should also work with community leaders to build trust and relationships with minority communities.
- Reduce implicit bias. The state police should provide implicit bias training to all of its troopers. This training can help troopers to identify and overcome their unconscious biases.
- Change the culture of the department. The state police should create a culture that is welcoming to people of all races and ethnicities. This means holding troopers accountable for discrimination, and promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels of the department.
Making the state police force more representative is a long-term goal, but it is one that is worth pursuing. A more diverse police force would be better able to serve the needs of all of Michigan's residents, and it would help to build trust between the police and the communities they serve.
