Problematic police position on diversity

Peterborough is, slowly, becoming a more racially and ethnically diverse city. City officials have generally supported that trend, so it is disappointing and surprising that prominent police board members and the police chief don’t believe the force needs to work at matching it.

Official support for the arrival of non-European immigrants has been partly out of good will and compassion but also because future population growth depends on attracting immigrants who have traditionally settled in larger cities.

When the city’s only mosque was firebombed two years ago, Mayor Daryl Bennett and other civic leaders were front and centre in the campaign to assure the growing Muslim population they are welcome and respected.

When a racist organization announced plans for a rally here several months ago the Peterborough police force added its name to a list or organizations supporting “diversity, inclusion and peace for everyone.”

But brave words and stirring sentiments must be matched by action. That means an effort to make public agencies reflect the changing face of the city.

It appeared that process might be underway last month when the police board asked Chief Murray Rodd for a report on the force’s diversity.

What they got earlier this week was information on how police work with immigrant and minority support groups. But no figures on how many minorities – non-whites, women, people with disabilities – are on the force.

Chief Rodd, backed up by the two city council representatives on the board, Mayor Bennett and Coun. Dan McWilliams, said the focus has to be on hiring the best applicants, not an effort to hire minority applicants.

And since the force is almost entirely white – no one needs a report to know that – white applicants are clearly the best applicants.

Which would be true, and continue to be true, if they are the only applicants.

Diversity hiring can turn that equation around. The force needs to seek out good minority candidates.

In terms of racial and ethnic minorities that should be easy. Contact diversity officers and police associations in Toronto, Ottawa and other large cities that have experienced minority officers and staff.

Sell them on the Peterborough’s good points: inexpensive housing, access to the Kawartha Lakes, a college and university their children can attend, the city’s growing diversity. Let them know they can come here and represent change.

Attracting experienced minority officers would also help answer Chief Rodd’s concern that good candidates of any background are hard to find.

Mayor Bennett told the police board that when he sees someone in uniform he doesn’t see colour, gender or race.

In fact, what he likely sees is his own colour, gender and race.

Diversity gives everyone that opportunity.