U.S. Attorney Tom Beall to Host Diversity Dialogue with Law Enforcement

WICHITA, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Tom Beall will open a discussion Tuesday in Wichita with local law enforcement agencies on recruiting, hiring and retaining law enforcement officers to better reflect the broad diversity of the communities they serve.

The Diversity Dialogue in Wichita will be part of a national initiative by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Equal Employment Commission (EEOC). The objectives are outlined in an October report called, “Advancing Diversity in Law Enforcement. “The report, which can be accessed here, examines barriers as well as promising practices for advancing diversity in law enforcement.

“We must continue to review our efforts to promote diversity and share what we have learned so far,” Beall said. “Identifying the barriers we face and generating new ideas for cultivating diversity among law enforcement will help strengthen trust and improve policing.”

Michael Birzer, Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the School of Community Affairs at Wichita State University, will serve as moderator. Topics will include: Barriers to diversity, recruitment, hiring and retention.

Members of the media are invited to talk to key participants starting a half hour before the session and to cover opening remarks. The rest of the meeting will be open only to registered participants.

Event: Diversity Dialogue

Opening Remarks: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016.

Where: Room 180, Eugene Hughes Metropolitan Complex. 5015 E. 29th North, Wichita, Kan.