Diversity in Law Enforcement

Diversity in law enforcement is not just a matter of representation; it is a cornerstone of effective and community-oriented policing, particularly in a diverse community such as Umatilla, OR.  

1. Cultural Competence: Law enforcement agencies that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve are better equipped to understand and navigate cultural nuances, languages, and customs. The cultural competence enhances communication, trust, and collaboration between officers and community members, leading to more effective policing outcomes.  
2. Building Trust: Diversity in law enforcement helps build trust and legitimacy within diverse communities. When individuals see officers who share their background or life experiences, they are more likely to perceive law enforcement as fair, approachable, and responsive to their needs. This trust is essential for effective crime prevention, reporting, and collaboration in addressing community concerns.  
3. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diverse perspectives and experiences within law enforcement agencies contribute to more robust problem-solving and decision-making processes. Officers from diverse backgrounds bring unique insight and approaches to addressing complex issues such as crime prevention, conflict resolution, and community engagement. By tapping into this diversity of thought, agencies can develop more innovative and effective strategies to meet the needs of diverse communities.  
4. Reducing Bias and Stereotyping: Diversity in law enforcement helps mitigate bias and stereotyping in policing practices. When officers come from diverse backgrounds, they are less likely to rely on stereotypes of preconceived notions when interacting with community members. Instead, they can draw on their own experiences and understanding to approach situations with greater empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity.  
5. Improved Communication and Outreach: A diverse law enforcement workforce facilitates more effective communication and outreach efforts within diverse communities. Officers who speak multiple languages, understand cultural nuances, and are familiar with community dynamics can better engage with residents, disseminate important information, and address concerns in a way that resonates with local contexts.  
6. Representation and Role Modeling: Diverse law enforcement agencies serve as role models for aspiring officers from underrepresented backgrounds. Seeing individuals from diverse backgrounds in positions of authority and leadership within law enforcement can inspire trust, confidence, and interest in law enforcement careers among your people from diverse communities.  

Umatilla Police Department currently employs 18 full time employees and five part time employees. They are comprised of: 

Full time employees 

9 – Caucasian males, 5 – Caucasian females, 2 – Latino males, 1 – Latina female, 1 – African American male 

Part time employees 

3 – Caucasian males, 2 – Caucasian females