(WGTD)---A study that looked at how Racine cops treat each other uncovered signs of racial and gender bias. The results of the 10-month-long probe were laid out before the city’s Police and Fire Commission Monday.
The study was launched after an earlier survey paid for by the police union included dozens of inflammatory comments. Consultant Warren Buliex said it’s still unclear just how prevalent those views are. "If a small number of officers made those comments then it's not a big issue--it's more isolated," Buliex said. "But if a large number of officers made those comments then it's a pretty significant issue," he said. 45 comments in the union-backed survey were identified as problematic.
The survey conducted by Buliex and his crew found that some white officers believed that the city’s black police chief gives preferential treatment to minorities and women. Buliex said he found no evidence of that.
Buliex and his team issued ten recommendations, including cultural competency and diversity training for department employees, and hiring an additional human resources staffer to keep track of and fully investigate complaints.
Mayor Cory Mason said he supports the measures. "We have a great police force that's been protecting and serving this community very well," Mason said afterward. "But the issues raised here are critically important...to maintain the trust and confidence that the public needs to have in the police department,' he said.
57 police department employees spoke to the city consultants. Buliex said they talked to virtually anyone who was willing to talk to them.
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