Forging a Path to Inclusive Policing: The Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
In the quest for recruits, police departments are turning their gaze toward historically Black colleges.
Remarkably, despite constituting only 3% of colleges and universities nationwide, HBCUs churn out 1 in every 5 Black college graduates in the United States.
As law enforcement agencies grapple with the ongoing challenges of recruitment and retention, an increasing number are looking to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for solutions. While hailed by many as a promising strategy to bolster officer numbers and inject much-needed diversity into a profession long dominated by white males, skeptics argue that simply increasing the number of Black officers will not address the systemic issues plaguing policing.
“I see this as a positive development,” remarked Kirk Burkhalter, a former 20-year veteran of the NYPD and current professor at New York Law School, acknowledging the inherent skepticism surrounding law enforcement. “Police departments must adapt to scrutiny. If they aspire to have leaders from the Black community, then they must take the first steps. Diversifying police departments to reflect the communities they serve can only be beneficial.”
According to the United Negro College Fund, HBCUs play a pivotal role, producing a significant portion of Black college graduates. These institutions often prioritize community and service, values that resonate with law enforcement agencies seeking to forge stronger connections with their communities.
In cities like Winston-Salem, N.C., police departments are enticing prospective recruits from local HBCUs with scholarships. Baltimore recently launched a 10-week internship program aimed at attracting students and graduates from Morgan State University and Coppin State University. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, legislators are considering proposals to partner the state’s HBCUs with law enforcement agencies to promote diversity in policing.
Ericke Cage, president of West Virginia State University, sees HBCUs as a gateway to modern policing practices that foster trust and inclusivity. “We can pave the way for a 21st-century policing model that inspires confidence from all sides,” Cage remarked to the Marshall Project.
However, not everyone is convinced.
“The strategy of recruiting from HBCUs creates the illusion that hiring Black officers will mend the strained relationship between the Black community and law enforcement, but that’s far from reality,” argued LaTonya Goldsby, president of the Cleveland chapter of Black Lives Matter.
Goldsby pointed out that despite Cleveland’s predominantly Black population and Black leadership within the police force, the department remains predominantly white. She cited allegations of discriminatory hiring practices as evidence of the persistent challenges facing Black officers within law enforcement.
Historical injustices have deeply entrenched the fraught relationship between Black Americans and law enforcement. From slave patrols to violent suppression of civil rights movements, the legacy of racial discrimination continues to shape policing in America. Today, Black individuals are disproportionately incarcerated, while police forces remain predominantly white.
High-profile incidents like the killings of George Floyd and Jayland Walker have further strained relations between Black communities and law enforcement, prompting calls for systemic reform.
Yet, amid staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest, police departments are grappling with recruitment challenges. A survey by the Police Executive Research Forum revealed a surge in resignations and retirements, leaving departments stretched thin.
In a pioneering initiative, Lincoln University launched the country’s first police academy at an HBCU. Chief Gary Hill emphasized the need for collaboration with communities to address policing challenges. He believes that increasing Black representation within law enforcement can foster better relations with communities.
However, diversifying police departments alone may not suffice. Studies suggest that while minority representation in law enforcement has increased, racial disparities persist in policing practices. Reform advocates argue for comprehensive changes to police training and procedures to accompany efforts to enhance diversity within the force.
Goldsby advocates for nurturing “homegrown talent” in communities like Cleveland to police familiar areas with empathy and understanding. She calls for dismantling barriers to entry that disproportionately affect Black and economically disadvantaged individuals.
For Burkhalter, the push to recruit more Black officers at HBCUs is about empowering individuals to make a difference. “Black Americans have served this country in various capacities. Why should law enforcement be any different?” he queried. “We’ve witnessed the consequences of inaction. Let’s not wait for more tragedies before we embrace change.”