Cultural sensitivity rediscovered: Developing training strategies for police officers

Abstract

Abstract The most important issue in law enforcement for the 1990s is the rediscovery of human relations in police work. In many ways, the mood of the nineties is reminiscent of the urgency of the 1960s with regard to instilling in the police officer a greater sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles. Two decades of focus on technology, professionalism, and war‐like strategies in law enforcement has left a void in policing in the area of human relations. This article reviews the history of police‐minority relations and compares the development of cultural sensitivity training in a southern state and in a large midwestern city in order to outline the critical issues involved in human relations training for police. Finally, it provides a practical guide for constructing lesson plans and instructing such seminars.