(EVANSVILLE, IN) – September 16, 2010 – The Evansville Police Department (EPD) has contracted with the consulting firm of Woodard & Associates, Inc. to guide the EPD in developing and implementing a comprehensive diversity initiative. The EPD Diversity Management Plan (DMP) will result in a transformation in terms of the way in which workforce and community diversity is valued throughout EPD.
“The EPD and its personnel are committed to fulfilling our mission, which, in partnership with the community, is to improve the quality of life by reducing the fear and incidence of crime, to recognize and resolve problems, and to fulfill the law enforcement needs of the citizens of Evansville, Indiana,†said Evansville Police Chief Brad Hill. “As with any quality business or organization, there is always room for growth and improvement. This initiative is about identifying opportunities to modify the way we conduct our daily business to most effectively serve our community and fulfill our mission,†Hill added.
Among other steps, the EPD DMP calls for a series of community forums to hear first-hand from Evansville citizens what they see as the strengths and weaknesses of how EPD provides services throughout the community. Woodard & Associates plans to begin the community forums in October of this year. Specific dates, times and locations are yet to be finalized. The DMP also calls for an evaluation of the EPD work environment, an evaluation of hiring, promotion, and mentoring practices, the establishment of an EPD Diversity Action Council to lead the diversity movement within EPD, and diversity skills-training for all EPD personnel.
“This is one of the most comprehensive initiatives ever undertaken to ensure that the Evansville Police Department provides the law enforcement services the Evansville community both desires and deserves,†said Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.
Established in 1990, Woodard & Associates, Inc. is a social science research firm based in Washington, DC. The firm specializes in diversity management, equal employment opportunity (EEO) compliance and program evaluation, and was founded by Evansville native Michael D. Woodard, Ph.D. Dr. Woodard is an alumnus of the University of Evansville and the University of Chicago, from which he earned Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Sociology. Prior to establishing Woodard & Associates, Dr. Woodard was a professor teaching graduate and undergraduate sociology courses on race and ethnic relations and labor force analysis at Governors State University-Chicago, the University of Maryland-College Park, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and UCLA. He is well-published and has been interviewed and quoted on diversity issues by CNN, the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets.
“This is one of the most comprehensive initiatives ever undertaken to ensure that the Evansville Police Department provides the law enforcement services the Evansville community both desires and deserves,†said Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.”
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Too bad the mayor doesn’t believe his office should be exercising the same consideration of the interests and fiscal responsibility desired and deserved by the people of the Evansville Community.
What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Step up to the plate, mr. mayor.
I’m curious exactly how “diversity” is being defined here. The trainer appears to focus on race and ethnic relations. This is certainly a good start, but diversity shouldn’t end there. What about persons with disabilities? Members of the gay, lesbian, or transgendered communities? Religious diversity – especially those who practice non-Christian religions?
I sincerely hope that when the EPD talks about diversity, they are referring to more than merely learning how to work the city’s African – American community.
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