The stereotype of a Boston cop as a white, Irish guy has become too much of a reality for some groups.
The Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers is calling on city and police leaders to diversify the department’s ranks and requested a City Council hearing on the issue, which is scheduled for today.
“The numbers are just alarming,” said Larry Ellison, the group’s president.
As one example, Ellison pointed to the race and gender of district captains, which are comprised of white men.
“When you consider the makeup of the city, the minority is the majority now and the police department just doesn’t reflect that,” he said.
A police spokeswoman said only the breakdown of the 20-member command staff was available yesterday. The department compiled breakdowns of lower ranks after recent retirements and promotions.
“A balance between diversity and merit can be difficult to achieve when constrained by state law and ever-changing constitutional decisions,” said Elaine Driscoll, a department spokeswoman. “However, Commissioner Davis is committed to diversity by being reflective of the community that we serve at every level of the organization.”
