Ethnic Diversity in the New Zealand Police: Staff Perspectives

Over seas research suggests benefits in having staff from ethnic minorities for po licing multicultural communities. This study - part of a larger study investigating recruitment barriers and retention issues of ethnic minorities in the New Zealand Police - presents the views of personnel from minority cultures about how they experience their professional roles within the organisation. The paper pre ents data from twenty in-depth interviews conducted with police staff from one police region. Results of the study support overseas research and highlight New Zealand - specific issues. While the sample size is small, the in-depth interviews provide a rich data source. The paper presents new insights into how New Zealand Police officers from a range of cultural backgrounds perceive the contribution a culturally diverse workforce can make to policing. The study has practical implications for police recruitment and diversity policies.