Question 1

Why are there so few minorities in policing?

Accepted Answer

All races and ethnic groups are represented in policing today. However, until the 1940s, there was not a single African American police officer in the Deep South. The first female police officer was not appointed until 1910. The United States has a long history of discrimination against women and minorities. The main areas of discrimination have been race/ethnic background and gender. Until the 1970s, it was presumed that women, because of their gender and typical size, were not capable of performing the same type of patrol duty as men. Men at the time were afraid that women would get beaten up and the perpetrator would take their gun. What has changed in society that now allows women and minorities to gain a better foothold in policing?

Question 2

What provisions of the U.S. legal system have enabled minorities to overcome job discrimination?

Accepted Answer

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, passed in 1868, guarantees equal protection of the law to all citizens of the United States. This amendment, combined with the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, Title VII of the same law, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, and the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, has enabled minorities to overcome discrimination by utilizing the court system to get equal treatment.

Question 3

What strides have African Americans made in increasing the numbers of minorities in policing?

Accepted Answer

According to the Bureau of Justice Report in 2013, 27 percent of full-time local law enforcement officers were members of a racial or ethnic minority group, an increase from 14.6 percent in 1987. African American officers represented 12.2 percent of all law enforcement officers, which was an increase when compared with 9.3 percent in 1987.

Question 4

How are law enforcement agencies addressing the issue of family and conflicts between personal and professional demands of law enforcement?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are law enforcement agencies addressing the...

Question 5

Historically, women and minorities have experienced discrimination by the police: as citizens and in seeking careers in law enforcement. Allowing for diversity in all areas of law enforcement is an important part of addressing this type of discrimination. The primary instrument governing equal hiring practices is the Fourteenth Amendment. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 which barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin is one of the secondary instruments. 
This scenario focuses on the inclusion of a diverse group of individuals on a task force.
You are a police officer for Atlanta, Georgia. In putting together a specialized task force to deal with the crime problem in Atlanta the mayor stated that individuals who meet the qualifications and are interested in applying for the task force had to receive the backing and support of all officers within their home departments to apply. From your department, there are only two candidates who both meet the qualifications and hope to be part of the task force: one is a heterosexual male and one is a homosexual male. Once they were identified, the next step for the department is to determine which one to nominate for the task force.
-Little research has examined the experiences of homosexual people in law enforcement. Which of the following does research show to be true?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. Forty-eight percent of gays and lesbian officers have reported feeling socially isolated. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
b. Incorrect. Officers weigh the costs and benefits before deciding whether or not to "come out". Forty-eight percent of gays and lesbians have reported feeling socially isolated. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
c. Incorrect. Sixty-eight percent experienced homophobic comments. Forty-eight percent of gay and lesbian officers have reported feeling socially isolated. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
d. Incorrect. Gay and lesbian officers report similar experiences as women and racial minorities. Forty-eight percent of gays and lesbians have reported feeling socially isolated. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"

Question 6

Historically, women and minorities have experienced discrimination by the police: as citizens and in seeking careers in law enforcement. Allowing for diversity in all areas of law enforcement is an important part of addressing this type of discrimination. The primary instrument governing equal hiring practices is the Fourteenth Amendment. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 which barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin is one of the secondary instruments. 
This scenario focuses on the inclusion of a diverse group of individuals on a task force.
You are a police officer for Atlanta, Georgia. In putting together a specialized task force to deal with the crime problem in Atlanta the mayor stated that individuals who meet the qualifications and are interested in applying for the task force had to receive the backing and support of all officers within their home departments to apply. From your department, there are only two candidates who both meet the qualifications and hope to be part of the task force: one is a heterosexual male and one is a homosexual male. Once they were identified, the next step for the department is to determine which one to nominate for the task force.
-Which of these was the primary reason for the changes in discriminatory hiring practices within the police force?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. The primary instrument governing equal hiring practices is the Fourteenth Amendment, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 being the secondary instruments. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
b. Incorrect. The primary instrument governing equal hiring practices is the Fourteenth Amendment, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 being the secondary instruments. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
c. Incorrect. The primary instrument governing equal hiring practices is the Fourteenth Amendment, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 being the secondary instruments. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
d. Incorrect. The primary instrument governing equal hiring practices is the Fourteenth Amendment, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 being the secondary instruments. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"

Question 7

What Would You Do?
You are an Atlanta police officer. For the last few days, officers in your department have been discussing which candidate they should support for the task force. Both candidates graduated from the tops of their academy classes; both have nearly equal years of experience on the force; and both have earned two commendations during their careers. Because of the strong similarities of the candidates, conversations have turned toward sexuality. About half of the department believes that homosexual officers have proven themselves to be as combat-ready as heterosexual officers have-both through their military service and service on America's police forces. Most of these individuals state that sexuality should not be a factor in this decision.
Alternatively, the other half of the department believes that heterosexual men are better suited to dealing with potential offenders and will have better rapport with this mostly heterosexual population. They argue that homosexual officers might be a liability to other officers in the situations the task force will face because of their cultural differences.
-Your partner asks who you will choose to support and why. What do you say?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What Would You Do?
You are an Atlanta...

Question 8

Members of the department continue to debate their reasons for supporting each of the candidates. Although the topics are getting more personal, the majority of officers in the department are maintaining respectful discourse. Along this line, your partner asks you to further explain the reasons behind your choice.
-How have homosexual males historically been kept off of police forces?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
b. Incorrect. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
c. Incorrect. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
d. Incorrect. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"

Question 9

Members of the department continue to debate their reasons for supporting each of the candidates. Although the topics are getting more personal, the majority of officers in the department are maintaining respectful discourse. Along this line, your partner asks you to further explain the reasons behind your choice.
-Which of the following barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
b. Incorrect. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 allows for punitive damages regarding civil rights violations under certain circumstances. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
c. Incorrect. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 was enacted to help reduce crime through assistance to
d. Incorrect. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 extended The Civil Rights Act of 1964 to state and

Question 10

What Would You Do?
You are an Atlanta police officer having a discussion with your partner, who supports the heterosexual candidate. In explaining your reasoning, you cite the Fourteenth Amendment and Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, both of which guarantee equal opportunity for all, regardless of race or gender and that you believe sexuality is covered under gender. You mention that the Civil Rights Act of 1991 allows for damages being awarded to those whose rights had been violated through discrimination. You state that there should be no de facto discrimination in this situation because the duties outlined in the job description can clearly be met by either a heterosexual or a homosexual officer.
Your partner counters with an agreement that opportunity should be guaranteed for all, and in this case, opportunity was being guaranteed to both-because of the voting procedures. Your partner also notes the importance of connecting with the population on a one-to-one basis, and that it was not discrimination to believe that heterosexuals are better in cases like this; it is only discrimination if the homosexual officer wasn't given an equal chance to apply. Additionally, you partner states that neither officer's rights were being violated through a fair vote and that the Civil Rights Act of 1991 did not apply to government agencies like the police force. After several more days of department-wide discussion, the police chief asks all personnel to cast their votes.
-Do you maintain your original position and vote for the homosexual officer, or do you cast your vote with your partner for the heterosexual officer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What Would You Do?
You are an Atlanta...

Question 11

Summary A
Police departments across the country have been addressing discrimination since the 1960s and 70s when the U.S. government recognized the issues caused by a lack of minorities in the police force. Studies found that discriminatory police employment practices led to a disproportionate number of white officers. They recommended that departments intensify their focus on hiring black candidates for the police force. Changes such as these need to be made for gay, lesbian, and transsexual candidates. Your vote will help the Atlanta Police Department to move forward in promoting homosexual officers and demonstrates your commitment to including gay, lesbian, and transgender officers in police agencies across the United States. You need to remember that there may be some backlash if the homosexual officer is selected and be prepared to support the candidate chosen for the assignment. 
To learn more about these commissions, why they were formed, and what they found, see "Discrimination in Policing."
Summary B
Police departments across the country have been addressing discrimination since the 1960s and 70s when the U.S. government recognized the issues caused by a lack of minorities in the police force. Studies found that discriminatory police employment practices led to a disproportionate number of white officers. They recommended that departments intensify their focus on hiring black candidates for the police force. Changes such as these need to be made for gay, lesbian, and transsexual candidates. Your vote indicates your belief that sexuality is an issue but not one that should give preference to officers who are not heterosexuals. Including gay, lesbian, and transgender officers in police agencies across the United States. is not a priority for you. You need to remember that there may be some backlash for your department if the heterosexual officer is selected and be prepared to respond to allegations of discrimination if the heterosexual officer is chosen for the assignment. 
To learn more about these commissions, why they were formed, and what they found, see "Discrimination in Policing."
Members of the Atlanta department continue to debate their reasons for supporting each of the candidates. Although the topics are getting more personal, the majority of officers in the department are maintaining respectful discourse. Along this line, your partner asks you to further explain the reasons behind your choice.
-How have homosexual males historically been kept off of police forces?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
b. Incorrect. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
c. Incorrect. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"
d. Incorrect. In the past many police agencies were able to exclude homosexual officers from their agencies because states had criminalized sodomy and homosexual sex acts. This changed in the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003) when the Supreme Court held that consensual sex was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. See "Minorities in Policing Today,"

Question 12

Summary A
Police departments across the country have been addressing discrimination since the 1960s and 70s when the U.S. government recognized the issues caused by a lack of minorities in the police force. Studies found that discriminatory police employment practices led to a disproportionate number of white officers. They recommended that departments intensify their focus on hiring black candidates for the police force. Changes such as these need to be made for gay, lesbian, and transsexual candidates. Your vote will help the Atlanta Police Department to move forward in promoting homosexual officers and demonstrates your commitment to including gay, lesbian, and transgender officers in police agencies across the United States. You need to remember that there may be some backlash if the homosexual officer is selected and be prepared to support the candidate chosen for the assignment. 
To learn more about these commissions, why they were formed, and what they found, see "Discrimination in Policing."
Summary B
Police departments across the country have been addressing discrimination since the 1960s and 70s when the U.S. government recognized the issues caused by a lack of minorities in the police force. Studies found that discriminatory police employment practices led to a disproportionate number of white officers. They recommended that departments intensify their focus on hiring black candidates for the police force. Changes such as these need to be made for gay, lesbian, and transsexual candidates. Your vote indicates your belief that sexuality is an issue but not one that should give preference to officers who are not heterosexuals. Including gay, lesbian, and transgender officers in police agencies across the United States. is not a priority for you. You need to remember that there may be some backlash for your department if the heterosexual officer is selected and be prepared to respond to allegations of discrimination if the heterosexual officer is chosen for the assignment. 
To learn more about these commissions, why they were formed, and what they found, see "Discrimination in Policing."
Members of the Atlanta department continue to debate their reasons for supporting each of the candidates. Although the topics are getting more personal, the majority of officers in the department are maintaining respectful discourse. Along this line, your partner asks you to further explain the reasons behind your choice.
-Which of the following barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
b. Incorrect. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 allows for punitive damages regarding civil rights violations under certain circumstances. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 barred discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, or national origin. See "How Did Women and Minorities Strive for Equality?,"
c. Incorrect. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 was enacted to help reduce crime through assistance to
d. Incorrect. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 extended The Civil Rights Act of 1964 to state and

Question 13

What Would You Do?
You are an Atlanta police officer having a discussion with your partner, who supports the homosexual candidate. In explaining his reasoning, he cites the Fourteenth Amendment and Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, both of which guarantee equal opportunity for all, regardless of race or gender and that he believes sexuality is covered under gender. He mentions that the Civil Rights Act of 1991 allows for damages being awarded to those whose rights had been violated through discrimination. He states that there should be no de facto discrimination in this situation because the duties outlined in the job description can clearly be met by either a heterosexual or homosexual officer.
You counter with an agreement that opportunity should be guaranteed for all, and in this case, opportunity was being guaranteed to both-because of the voting procedures. You also note the importance of connecting with the population on a one-to-one basis, and that it was not discrimination to believe that heterosexual officers are better in cases like this; it is only discrimination if the homosexual officer wasn't given an equal chance to apply. Additionally, you state that neither officer's rights were being violated through a fair vote and that the Civil Rights Act of 1991 did not apply to government agencies like the police force. After several more days of department-wide discussion, the police chief asks all personnel to cast their votes.
-Do you maintain your original position and vote for the heterosexual officer, or do you cast your vote with your partner for the homosexual officer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What Would You Do?
You are an Atlanta...

Question 14

Which term means the unequal treatment of persons based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Bigotry is a hatred of a person's race, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.
b. Correct. Discrimination is the unequal treatment of persons in personnel decisions (hiring, promotion, and firing) based on their race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.
c. Incorrect. Intolerance is the unwillingness to accept beliefs, behavior, or views that are different from one's own.
d. Incorrect. Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or experience.

Question 15

In the early twentieth century, policewomen worked primarily with women and children in need of help or correction. What were policewomen often called?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Josef Mengele is referred to as the angel of death. He was a German officer in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II.
b. Incorrect. After WWII, there was the emergence of middle-class female policing careerists, sometimes called Depression babies, many of whom were not college-educated and did not want to be social workers.
c. Correct. In the early twentieth century, policewomen were often called city mothers and were employed to bring order and assistance to the lives of women and children who needed help and correction.
d. Incorrect. In the early twentieth century, policewomen were often called city mothers, not police dames. They were employed to bring order and assistance to the lives of women and children who needed help and correction.

Question 16

Which legislative act barred discrimination on the basis of sex, opening up opportunities for female police officers to perform patrol duty?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. The Equal Rights Amendment was a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution stating that civil rights may not be denied on the basis of one's sex.
b. Incorrect. The Nineteenth Amendment prevents states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the U.S. based on sex.
c. Correct. The 1964 Civil Rights Act, which barred discrimination on the basis of sex, opened up opportunities for female police officers to perform patrol duty.
d. Incorrect. The antidiscrimination Act of 1950 did not exist. The 1964 Civil Rights Act, which barred discrimination on the basis of sex, opened up opportunities for female police officers to perform patrol duty.

Question 17

Which term describes the simultaneous expectation from white officers that African American officers would give African American suspects better treatment and from members of the African American community that African American officers were traitors to their race?

Accepted Answer

a. Correct. African American police officers suffered double marginality-the simultaneous expectation by white officers that African American officers would give members of their own race better treatment and hostility from members of the African American community who considered black officers to be traitors to their race.
b. Incorrect. African American police officers suffered double marginality-the simultaneous expectation by white officers that African American officers would give members of their own race better treatment and hostility from members of the African American community who considered black officers to be traitors to their race.
c. Incorrect. African American police officers suffered double marginality-the simultaneous expectation by white officers that African American officers would give members of their own race better treatment and hostility from members of the African American community who considered black officers to be traitors to their race.
d. Incorrect. African American police officers suffered double marginality-the simultaneous expectation by white officers that African American officers would give members of their own race better treatment and hostility from members of the African American community who considered black officers to be traitors to their race.

Question 18

Title VII of which act was designed to prohibit all job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was designed to prohibit all job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
b. Incorrect. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was designed to prohibit all job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
c. Correct. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was designed to prohibit all job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
d. Incorrect. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was designed to prohibit all job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Question 19

What was the distinctive feature of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEOA)?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. The EEOA extended the 1964 Civil Rights Act and made its provisions, including Title VII, applicable to state and
b. Incorrect. The EEOA extended the 1964 Civil Rights Act and made its provisions, including Title VII, applicable to state and
c. Correct. The EEOA extended the 1964 Civil Rights Act and made its provisions, including Title VII, applicable to state and
d. Incorrect. The EEOA extended the 1964 Civil Rights Act and made its provisions, including Title VII, applicable to state and

Question 20

What type of discrimination, which is discrimination as the indirect result of policies or practices, is the most prevalent form of job discrimination?

Accepted Answer

a. Incorrect. Unintentional discrimination occurs when an employer's policies adversely affect employees based on their sex, race, or other protected characteristics.
b. Incorrect. Paternalism is action limiting a person or group's liberty or autonomy that is intended to promote their own good.
c. Correct. Probably the most prevalent form of job discrimination is de facto discrimination, which is discrimination as the indirect result of policies or practices that are not intended to discriminate, but which do, in fact, discriminate.
d. Incorrect. Political discrimination typically refers to discrimination that occurs based on political affiliation or ideology.

Quiz 7: Minorities in Policing

Why are there so few minorities in policing?

What provisions of the U.S. legal system have enabled minorities to overcome job discrimination?

What strides have African Americans made in increasing the numbers of minorities in policing?

How are law enforcement agencies addressing the issue of family and conflicts between personal and professional demands of law enforcement?

Which term means the unequal treatment of persons based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation?

In the early twentieth century, policewomen worked primarily with women and children in need of help or correction. What were policewomen often called?

Which legislative act barred discrimination on the basis of sex, opening up opportunities for female police officers to perform patrol duty?

Which term describes the simultaneous expectation from white officers that African American officers would give African American suspects better treatment and from members of the African American community that African American officers were traitors to their race?

Title VII of which act was designed to prohibit all job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

What was the distinctive feature of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (EEOA) ?

What type of discrimination, which is discrimination as the indirect result of policies or practices, is the most prevalent form of job discrimination?