Mayor Finch: Increase diversity through police recruitment campaign

06 Apr Mayor Finch: Increase diversity through police recruitment campaign

“The ability to bring on new officers of the law that reflect our community, that reflect our values, that reflect our diversity is incredibly important. It’s an investment that makes us all safer.” —Mayor Bill Finch
Less than a week away from the application deadline for the city’s police recruitment effort, Mayor Bill Finch joined community and religious leaders to urge residents to become one of Bridgeport’s finest.

“I can’t imagine a more rewarding career than serving the community and protecting the kids and families of Bridgeport,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “And, the ability to bring on new officers of the law that reflect our community, that reflect our values, that reflect our diversity is incredibly important. It’s an investment that makes us all safer.”

To watch a video of the press event, click here: bit.ly/19hrQB0

Currently, Bridgeport has the most diverse police department in the state. The Meriden Record Journal’s editorial board recently applauded Mayor Bill Finch and the Bridgeport Police Department for its diversity and recruitment efforts. This comes at a time when crime in Bridgeport is at historic lows. It also has seen the largest decrease in violent crime over the past decade when compared to similar sized New England cities.

But Mayor Finch believes the city can do even better. That’s why for the past several months, he’s been working to increase diversity through an aggressive recruitment campaign.

The department’s efforts to strengthen minority recruitment include:

• Collaborating with the Guardians and Hispanic Officers Society to better inform minority populations about career opportunities in the department.

• Holding robust recruitment drives across the city, which include visiting churches, attending parades, collaborating with local community organizations, attending concerts in McLevy Green, and visiting local college job fairs.

• Focusing heavily on Bridgeport residents. And by proving residency in the state’s largest city, candidates get an additional 15 percent on their civil service exam.

SOURCE