Borough looks to diversify its police force

WEST CHESTER » At Wednesday’s virtual meeting, Borough Council grappled with how to make the police force look more like the community it serves.

With a department of 40 officers, three hires in the past three years were women. The borough currently employs one minority officer.

West Chester Police struggle to diversify hiring, partially due to Civil Service Commission requirements.

“How do we go about diversi

fying if that is an objective of borough council?” asked solicitor and presenter Kim Venzie.

The attorney said Wednesday that the borough might need to better market itself in a bid to reach out to the right candidates.

Borough Manager Mike Perrone said Thursday that hiring a diversified force is a problem for police nationwide.

“How can we do a better job of finding potential minority officers in the future?” asked Perrone.

Mayor and state Rep. Dianne Herrin, D-156th, of West Chester, oversees the police force.

“Tackling the lack of diversity in policing is challenging for several reasons, including a diminishing number of people interested in the profession overall, as well as state civil service mandates and testing structures,” said Herrin. “This is an important issue, and I am grateful to our Borough Council and WCPD leadership for their willingness to work together with the community in search of ways to expand the depth and breadth of our officer candidates.”

Police Chief James Morehead said Friday that during the last round of hirings, only eight of almost 90 candidates were minority members. The chief said the department has always sought to hire minorities in a bid to achieve greater outreach.

“Not only does the community demand it today, but our leaders demand it,” Morehead said. “Our community is improved, the more diverse we are.”

Lt. Joshua Lee said that in a perfect situation a police department is a reflection of the community it serves.

“While we strive to reach that, we are not reflective in the community we serve when it comes to minorities,” Lee said.

Lee said the borough is working hard to diversify.

“Being Black or Hispanic doesn’t necessarily make a better police officer, but brings legitimacy to a police department,” Lee said.

In the borough, Civil Service Commission requirements are determined via written and physical testing and an interview process. Hiring is based on points earned. A military veteran receives a substantial point boost.

Some municipalities favor applicants who have lived within its borders or speak a foreign language.

At the February Public Safety Committee meeting, the establishment of a panel on diversification was discussed, and then again likely will be considered by Council at the following week’s meeting.

Council President Michael Galey suggested that a member of council, the mayor, police and community members all become panel members.

Councilwoman Lisa Dorsey suggested that any panel should include feedback from residents.

Recruitment through high schools and possibly establishing scholarships for prospective candidates were discussed by Galey.

Councilman Bill Scott suggested working with the Human Relations Commission, the NAACP and the Melton Center.

Resident Kyle Hudson pushed to have officers learn Spanish.