Advancing Science-based Policing through Inclusion, Representation, & Equity (ASPIRE): A National Campaign and Career Pathways Pilot to Promote Diversity in the Policing Workforce

Purpose: There is an urgent need to improve the recruitment, retention, and support of a new generation of police professionals. The purpose of this project is to develop and implement innovative solutions for modernizing and advancing the policing workforce.

Primary activities:  RTI International, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), and Historically Black Colleges & Universities Law Enforcement Executives and Administrators (HBCU LEEA) will collaborate for enhanced impact in this second phase of Advancing Service-Oriented Policing through Inclusion, Relationship-building, & Engagement (ASPIRE): A National Initiative to Promote Innovations in Recruiting and Support of the Policing Workforce. These supplemental funds will allow this team to more meaningfully engage police professional organization partners and increase the team’s capacity for achieving our four objectives to (1) conduct outreach, dissemination, and engagement around recruitment and retention program strategies; (2) develop and pilot a mentorship and student engagement program to foster career pathways in law enforcement agencies; (3) convene solutions-oriented workshops; and (4) develop resources for use by law enforcement, colleges and universities, students and other aspiring police professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.  

Expected outcomes: This project will develop policing mentoring and student engagement programs in three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which can be replicated in additional colleges and universities. Informed by research and project workshops engaging diverse students, educators, and law enforcement professionals, national outreach efforts and resource dissemination will empower agencies throughout the country to better recruit, retain, and support officers through practical, concrete, and customizable recommendations.

Service area: The career pathways pilot programs and in-person workshops will be conducted in Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), Howard University (Washington, D.C.), and Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, LA).

Intended beneficiaries: The three partner HBCUs and corresponding law enforcement agencies will directly benefit from the pilot program. The national campaign and resources will support all aspiring officers and law enforcement agencies throughout the country.