Pushing for police diversity — because it matters
I am a lifelong public servant. I have been employed for more than 20 years in Florida and Ohio as a public defender. My goal from the start has always been to become a skilled and talented trial lawyer so that when I fight for the rights of my indigent clients, they realize that even though they are poor, they are going to get every bit as good of a lawyer representing them as if they were rich. The American justice system was built on the idea that justice is blind — that no matter who you are, where you are from, or how much money you have, you are equal in the eyes of the law.
As a defense attorney, I never imagined I would be a part of helping any police department recruit. However, I have found myself in a unique position, and want to use my perspective and my experience to advocate for change in my community. Over and over, I have seen clients in Florida and Ohio treated differently by police and the justice system due to their skin color. Last year, the tragedy of George Floyd’s death led to protests of folks of all races and backgrounds standing up in support of Black people in this country, I was heartened that people were starting to advocate for systemic policing and criminal justice change.
In the summer of 2020, in the name of Floyd and so many others, the Dayton City Commission assembled various working groups designed to propose changes to reform Dayton police. I was given the responsibility to become a part of the Recruitment, Promotion, and Discipline Working Group. My task has been to be a voice for the diverse people I have shepherded through the criminal justice system over 20 years. The committee has submitted 30 recommendations in various stages of review by the Dayton City Commission and, ultimately, implementation by the Dayton Police Department.
Among the recommendations aimed at diversifying a police force that is only 6% Black — despite nearly 40% of the city’s residents being Black — are extending the age of recruits to 69, relaxing the prohibition on past use of marijuana by potential recruits, and changing the recruiting process to attract more diverse applicants. Mayor Nan Whaley has assured our group funds are in place for numerous police recruits to be hired this year. However, the window for submitting applications is closing at the end of April. The Citizens Reform Group was informed that at this point, the number of Black applicants has still not improved.
I am asking for the community’s help in identifying reform-minded citizens, especially applicants of color and female applicants, who may be interested in applying to the force. If you are interested, or if you know someone who might be, please contact me at TTDunnington@gmail.com or 561-707-1059.
I hope that one day, our city’s police department will reflect the incredible diversity of the community they serve, because a more diverse force will benefit my clients, foster a safer community, and serve as a catalyst for the reform so desperately needed in our criminal justice system.