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Whether you’re considering a policing career, current law enforcement, or just someone who’s ready to see positive change in policing, ASPIRE will have resources for you. Browse the whole library or search the collection designed for you:

Students and Potential Recruits

ASPIRE offers a variety of resources and events to engage with students and potential recruits. By focusing on what matters most, we can help guide you toward the career in policing that is best for you. Check out the exciting content we have to offer today! 

Police Agencies

Discover a wealth of valuable resources designed to support police agencies in their efforts to attract and retain law enforcement professionals and enhance diversity, inclusion, and equity within their ranks. The ASPIRE Project has curated a collection of practical tools, research findings, and actionable recommendations to guide your agency toward building a more representative and effective policing workforce. 

Community Partners

The ASPIRE project recognizes the critical role community partners play in fostering meaningful connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Explore our range of resources designed to help community members have a voice in shaping the policing profession and support inclusive policing.

Researchers

ASPIRE is committed to advancing research that supports police agencies in improving their recruitment, training, organizational culture, and community engagement efforts. We compile existing evidence, guide future research, and support practitioner-researcher partnerships to further advance the science on inclusive policing.

University Administrators

ASPIRE offers tailored resources for universities and other academic institutions to promote initiatives and career pathways into policing. From curriculum development to internship opportunities, we provide resources to help administrators enhance their programs and cultivate the next generation of law enforcement professionals. We also share evidence-based research on practices to support effective and inclusive policing on campus.

Browse Resources

Start your journey towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable workforce. Explore our resources, adopt evidence-based strategies, and transform your agency’s approach to recruitment and retention. Let’s work together to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, fostering trust, fairness, and excellence along the way. 

  • Best Practices Guide: Access our comprehensive guide that consolidates evidence-based strategies for recruiting, retaining, and supporting officers in today’s environment. Implement these recommendations to create career pathways that attract diverse talent and foster their success within your agency. 

 

  • Recruitment Toolkit: Explore our toolkit, filled with practical resources to support your proactive recruitment efforts in diverse institutions and communities. Gain insights into effective outreach strategies, engagement initiatives, and partnerships that bridge the diversity gaps in law enforcement. 

 

  • Training and Development Modules: Dive into our curated modules that offer specialized training on diversity, unconscious bias, cultural competency, and community engagement. Equip your officers and personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve diverse communities effectively. 

 

  • Research Reports: Stay informed with our collection of research reports that highlight the importance of diversity in policing and the positive impact diversity has on agency performance and community trust. Use these insights to inform your agency’s diversity initiatives and advocate for change. 

 

  • Case Studies: Learn from real-world examples of police agencies that have successfully implemented inclusive practices and achieved meaningful diversity outcomes. These case studies offer practical insights, showcasing the transformative power of prioritizing diversity and inclusion. 

 

  • Webinars and Events: Engage with experts, thought leaders, and practitioners through our webinars and events. Join discussions, share experiences, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends, innovative approaches, and best practices in the field of inclusive policing. 

 

  • Partner Network: Connect with our network of collaborators, including the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Collaborate with peer organizations to strengthen your diversity efforts and access additional resources.  

Creating a Multicultural Law Enforcement Agency: An Intentional Priority

There are several definitions people have of why it is important to promote diversity within the workforce and the benefits of implementing a more diverse police force. One of the benefits of this in law enforcement is that individuals in minority groups may be able to create better relationship and connections with police officers that represent them demographically. Diversity, especially within law enforcement, is imperative to developing positive relationships.

Developer

Police Chief

Additional Tags

Police Hiring in the #MeToo Era

The presence of social movements and the current racial climate has called into question the presence of women within law enforcement. The #MeToo movement highlighted the challenges women experience in the workforce every day. This website also examines the gender disparities that exist in policing and law enforcement.

Developer

Police Chief

Additional Tags

“Community policing” is fueled by diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion is an essential aspect of community policing, and it refers to the recognition, appreciation and respect of the differences that exist among individuals and groups within a community. Having a diverse police force contributes to creating a safer and more just society and demonstrates to communities that everyone is essentially working on the same team.

Developer

Federal News Network

Why the Gender Gap in Policing is a Public Safety Crisis

The gender gap in policing represents a public safety crisis. As cities, states and the federal government debate the proper role of policing, there is strong reason to believe that women make for safer and less violent law enforcement officers. The benefits go beyond preventing unnecessary police force and improving police-community relations.

Developer

The Crime Report: Your Criminal Justice Network

Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement

The relationships between communities and law enforcement has been contentious in the past few years. One of the efforts to improve these relationships is hiring a diverse group of police officers and individuals. These individuals should represent the demographic of the communities they protect.

Developer

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Cops Say Low Morale and Department Scrutiny Are Driving Them Away From the Job

Law enforcement officers are retiring and/or leaving the job at a rate that is staggering. With a nationwide shortage of certified law enforcement, departments are looking into reasons why officers are leaving the field. With crime rates on the rise in some areas, departments have turned to cash incentives to bring on new recruits.

Developer

National Public Radio Online