Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, talks with Steve Adubato about improving diversity within the state police force and rebuilding trust in black and brown communities. Recorded 3/19/24
Steve asks Colonel Patrick J. Callahan about the lack of women among new recruits in the state police. Col. Callahan responds, “I can speak to the initiatives that we have had in the last several years. It disappoints me that even the last class that graduated did not have one black female in that class. I think again of our 3200 officers, to have 200 women. We do have retired women who help us in that recruiting effort. I do know that when they do get accepted into the academy, very rarely do our women recruits leave. We have eight in there now and they don’t quit. I wish that the public would see this program and look to our women troopers as a career path that is extremely rewarding in a profession where we need more women.”
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New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan recently sat down with political analyst Steve Adubato on Insider NJ to discuss the importance of improving diversity within the state police force. The conversation shed light on the challenges and opportunities that come with increasing diversity in law enforcement.
Colonel Callahan emphasized the need for a police force that reflects the diverse communities it serves. He acknowledged that historically, law enforcement has not always been inclusive and that there is still work to be done to ensure that all voices are represented within the state police.
One of the key points discussed was the importance of recruiting a diverse pool of candidates. Colonel Callahan highlighted the efforts being made to reach out to underrepresented communities and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to consider a career in law enforcement. By actively seeking out candidates from diverse backgrounds, the state police can ensure that its ranks are reflective of the population it serves.
In addition to recruiting a diverse pool of candidates, Colonel Callahan also stressed the importance of providing ongoing training and support to officers from underrepresented groups. This includes cultural sensitivity training, implicit bias training, and other programs designed to help officers better understand and serve diverse communities.
The conversation with Steve Adubato also touched on the benefits of having a diverse police force. Colonel Callahan noted that officers from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which can help improve community relations and enhance overall effectiveness. By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within the state police force, Colonel Callahan believes that they can better serve the people of New Jersey.
Overall, the discussion between Colonel Callahan and Steve Adubato highlighted the importance of improving diversity within the New Jersey State Police Force. By actively recruiting and supporting officers from underrepresented communities, the state police can create a more inclusive and effective law enforcement agency that truly represents the diversity of the state.
