Philly police’s latest recruit class is small and mostly white

A look at why the Philly Police Department has long been understaffed and struggled to attract a diverse workforce. Its latest recruiting class was small and mostly white.

Air Date: February 10, 2020

The Philadelphia Police Department's newest class of recruits. (Courtesy of David Fisher.)

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The Philadelphia Police Department’s latest class of recruits is much smaller than average — only 19 people. It also includes zero African Americans in a city that’s 45% African-American. While it’s hard to know if that class is a blip or the start of a pattern, we look at why the city’s police force has long been understaffed, and struggled with diversity. Are you a police officer in the Philly area? We’d love to talk to you. Get started here.

Guest: Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Mensah Dean

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