will my race hurt me or help me to get into the academy

[neinta]

Originally posted by Eurocentric.org
Just give it a go and if you don't get the job because you're white then find a lawyer.

Ummm... I saw the part of his post where he said he was black but I missed the part about him being white.

Driven, just apply. Many departments are looking to diversify. If anything, your race may give you an advantage. I know in a few departments here, my gender would. Good luck!

[txinvestigator1]

Race probably won't be a factor unless it is to your advantage. However, your attitude towards your race might.

[Orleander]

You know, I don't think I've ever seen a Middle Eastern police officer. Or Indian (not Native American). I bet it would be harder if you were of Saudi, Iranian, etc heritage.

[Stump]

Originally posted by txinvestigator1
Race probably won't be a factor unless it is to your advantage. However, your attitude towards your race might.

I completely agree. There is nothing more irritationg than using your race or gender to try and get ahead in the world.

I remember our newspaper posted statistics about 2 months ago regarding minority police offficers. I tried to find the article, but I am not adept at surfing. :(

Race issues are pretty much non-existant here -- however, they do still have spots open for just minorities.

[cali52]

it think it will only help you, look at this little qoute from the recruitment page of the lapd web site.



CONSENT DECREE

The City of Los Angeles has voluntarily agreed to a consent decree approved in Federal court which provides for increased representation of Blacks, Hispanics and women in the rank of Police Officer. In addition, the City is interested in increasing the number of Asian-Pacific Police Officers. Applicants who speak an Asian-Pacific and/or other foreign language(s) may be eligible for selective certification and bonus pay.

[replay]

I think it would be nice to have more Middle Eastern police officers. I've only seen one East Indian in my department so far, but he's just a CSO right now. We had one Middle Eastern go through the academy with me but he dropped out after the second day.

[Charlie]

The reality is that a lot of departments, especially medium to large agencies, are seriously looking for minority officers to fill the ranks.

You should apply and see what happens. If you've got a good background and meet whatever requirements they may have at any given department, I'd generally say the odds are in your favor.
--
Charlie

[zander_zye]

I do know that the SFPD and CCSFSD is heavy into recruiting minorities, women, and homosexuals into their ranks. Both are pretty well-respected (despite the current turmoil).

[Zepellin]

The SFPD is in a hiring freeze right now. I heard a rumor that they are going to have a hiring boom in another two years though. ZZ have you heard this?

[FLcop]

I think any sort of preference because of race is bull****. They should hire strictly on the qualifications and the potential of the applicant. Otherwise would be discrimination and not equal.

[neinta]

Well, If you have an all white, all male force people start to wonder. I agree it should be based on qualifications and if I knew I got a job only because I was female (not exactly the same as race but similar in that it gives me an advantage in LE and is a trait I can't change.) and that other people were more qualified than me, then I would be upset. But regardless of how equal we think we are, nothing is ever equal and there always is and always will be discrimination.

[FLcop]

abolish affirmative action