Since the Phoenix Police Department resumed hiring in March 2015, it has increased the numbers of women, minorities and veterans. Nearly 30 percent of new hires identified as Hispanic, 12 percent more than current sworn officers.
After a full year of recruitment focused toward African-Americans, they account for 5.70 percent of new hires, higher than the current 4 percent makeup but lower than Phoenix’s African-American population, which is reported at 6.5 percent.
Women make up 16.7 percent of new hires, compared with 12.8 percent of the current workforce. Asian-Americans represent 1.7 percent of new hires and a higher percentage of sworn officers at 2.7 percent. Native Americans represent the smallest group, at 1 percent of new hires and 0.7 percent of the current force.
Regardless of race, ethnicity or gender, the department reports nearly one in three recruits hired this year is a military veteran. Phoenix regularly recruits through various job fairs and events that are designed to attract veterans.
According to a city report, more than 5,500 applicants have taken the written exam since hiring resumed, and 421 people have been hired. Of the new hires, 40 made lateral moves from other law-enforcement departments.
The department’s current sworn workforce is 74.6 percent White, compared with 62.3 percent of recruits and lateral hires.
