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Main Page Worc PD Chief pushing for diversity
(Click here to view the original thread on the MassCops Message Board)

Posted by: PBC FL Cop

Monday, December 24, 2007

Chief pushing diversity of police

Candidates wanted, including minorities

By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
scroteau@telegram.com

WORCESTER— Police Chief Gary J. Gemme has wanted to increase the number of minority candidates for police officer jobs ever since he took over the department in October 2004.

He tapped one of his minority officers — in fact, at the time his only minority supervisor — Sgt. John W. Lewis to recruit minorities from the community.

The number increased by 7 percent from 2003 to 2005, but Chief Gemme said he still wants to see the number of minority candidates and the overall number of candidates increase.

With 69 out of the department’s 458 officers either black, Hispanic or Asian, the department does reflect the diversity of the city. Sgt. Lewis, who is black, said that, compared to other communities in the state, the percentage is solid.

In 2005, there were 355 applicants for city police officers with 116 being minorities. In 2007, the numbers were 401 candidates and 112 minorities.

Worcester, along with some other cities in the state, has to abide by a federal consent decree that requires one in every three candidates being considered for hire to be a minority.

“What we’ve tried to do is maintain the same ratio based on the consent decree,” the chief said. “We have a solid pool of candidates including minorities.”

The department has tapped several relationships it has with community groups to increase the number of minority applicants. Sgt. Lewis utilizes his work as head of the police/clergy mentoring program, but also has officers work with several groups in the city.

“We have some of the best numbers in the state,” Sgt. Lewis said of the candidate pool.

Having a diverse department helps in handling issues with the various ethnic groups in the city. It also adds diversity to the pool of officers who become eligible for promotion. Currently, the department has three minority supervisors with a fourth expected to be promoted next year.

To increase interest in a career as a police officer, Sgt. Lewis talks to candidates about the benefits of the job such as salary, health insurance and educational assistance.

One of the difficulties in getting anyone to apply is the $75 fee to take the Civil Service exam, Chief Gemme said. The fee dissuades people who used to take the test on impulse.

“I think the cost is an issue that should be addressed,” the chief said. “It deters a lot of potential candidates.”

Other police chiefs have expressed the same sentiment, he added.

Sgt. Lewis said there is assistance available if someone is on welfare for example.

Having a diverse department also helps officers reach out to youth in the community, according to Sgt. Lewis.

As the former DARE officer, Sgt. Lewis said minority students showed a sense of pride when he arrived to speak to them. Sgt. Miguel Lopez works with several youth-orientated programs organized by the gang unit.

Seeing these officers in ranking positions shows the minority children they too can become ranking officers, Sgt. Lewis said.

Must be looking for a job with Patrick

Posted by: Wolfman

Sounds like he's pushing his head up Deval's ass to see if there's some diversity there.

Posted by: SinePari

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBC FL Cop

One of the difficulties in getting anyone to apply is the $75 fee to take the Civil Service exam, Chief Gemme said. The fee dissuades people who used to take the test on impulse.

That $75 is tax-deductible...if you pay taxes, that is...

Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBC FL Cop

One of the difficulties in getting anyone to apply is the $75 fee to take the Civil Service exam, Chief Gemme said. The fee dissuades people who used to take the test on impulse.

Yes, people who decide to be a cop "on impulse" are just what any PD should be looking for.

Gemme is a buffoon.

Posted by: Macop

Just because a person (insert color of same here) decides to take a test on a impulse doesnt make them a bad applicant any more than it would make them a good one.

Posted by: 5-0

75$ every two years is prohibitive? ok.

Posted by: WaterPistola

tax deductible? i should probably pay more attention to my tax stuff...i just pay them ...

Posted by: SinePari

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaterPistola

tax deductible? i should probably pay more attention to my tax stuff...i just pay them ...

Find an accountant with the right last name

Posted by: WaterPistola

i make peanuts so that accountant isnt worth it right now

Posted by: jettsixx

Wow your (insert minority of preference), would you like to be a supervisor, its ok that your a bumbling idiot. We need minorities damn it.

Posted by: Deuce

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbelichick

Gemme is a buffoon.

You have nooo idea...

Posted by: Macop

Well Jettsixx, being the jerk-off that you are, obviously you did not "read" my post. The insert minority comment was sarcastic. Hopefully you are NOT a supervisor. That was not even the point of my post, the point was that a just because a person takes a Police exam for hell of it as opposed to a person who has wanted to be a cop forever and a day, does not mean that they should be considered not as good as a applicant or somehow viewed that they would not be as motivated as the person who has wanted to be a cop. Christ, are that fucking stupid?

Posted by: jettsixx

MaCop,

How did you get that out of what I posted?

I was not trying to offend you or say that someone that took the test on impulse would not make a good officer. What I was trying to express is my dislike for affirmative action and giving someone a position based on their race. I do not think that is fair to them or the people they work with. Just an FYI I did understand the sarcasm.

Posted by: Hb13

I agree though the fact that (and believe me I have NOTHING absolutely NOTHING against minorities working anywhere) when you get 25 people taking a police exam and lets say 10 are minorites. Now lets say that 10 of the non-minority score 95 on the test and then all 10 minority applicants score a 95 on the test as well but the department has to atleast except 3-5 of the minorities how is that right for the non-minorities that took the test scored the exact same and get booted because of something like that?
just my opinion

Posted by: bbelichick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macop

the point was that a just because a person takes a Police exam for hell of it as opposed to a person who has wanted to be a cop forever and a day, does not mean that they should be considered not as good as a applicant or somehow viewed that they would not be as motivated as the person who has wanted to be a cop. Christ, are that fucking stupid?

Who the F wants to work with a guy who is a cop "for the hell of it"?

Are you even serious? Wouldn't you want to work with someone who has given some thought and consideration to a police career, or do you love the "what do you mean I have to work weekends" crowd??

Posted by: Macop

Hey jettsixx I must of have to much coffee, sorry for the misunderstanding. I guess we agree on the AA. No BBelichich, (16-0, ya baby) I get your point. Just saying a person can be just as good, or even bad a cop weather they have had the life long dream or not. I suppose it is subjective to many variables.

Posted by: jettsixx

MaCop,

I sent you a PM, No problem I get a little jacked with too much caffine too.

Posted by: Duff112

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

You have nooo idea...

Just saw this post today...been gone for awhile.

Wasn't Gemme the one (Or at least one of the more vocal ones) who wanted to make the PAT test easier because he was having trouble hiring females????

Now it's the frigging COST of the test....

What a nitwit...WAAAAAAAAAHHHHH

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