Improve police diversity with outreach: #tellusatoday

Letter to the editor:

All this talk about police diversity and matching the population of communities is interesting, but why is no one complaining about the need for 50% female cops (to match the population)? How about blonds and redheads ("Police redouble efforts to recruit diverse officers")?

I want the best qualified police officer protecting me, regardless of race, gender or hair color.

The news media keep dramatizing that blacks don't like our police, so why would a young black man or woman pick a career that his/her "population" doesn't like? To fix the problem, blacks need to change their attitude. Being a police officer is a noble job, and the pay is good.

Jim Longon; Ave Maria, Fla.

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Metro police forces need to try and recruit more minority police officers. Maybe there are not that many black police officers because, for most of their lives, some have been afraid of police. It's not really a great incentive to become a police officer if you feel you've been abused by police your entire life.

To say not enough blacks are becoming police officers is correct, and to say not enough blacks are wanting to become officers is also correct. Now let's find a solution. How about police recruitment programs — similar to Junior ROTC — that reach out to all, and police departments trying community outreach programs to improve relations and their image?

— John Andre Clarke

The recruiting pool is shallow for whites as well as blacks. Departments in many areas are having a problem attracting qualified candidates.

— Larry Lewis

Talk about racial tensions like adults

We asked our Twitter followers how to address racial tensions in America. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

We need to have honest, dispassionate dialogue without all of the finger-pointing and find solutions.

— @MOVEprofPHD

In 140 characters? Talk about the issues like adults. Stop being afraid.

— @John6abc

Realize that the root of our inequality is not necessarily an ethnic one but an economical one.

— @MarioS2009

Promote oneness in the world. Stop dehumanizing people.

— @001charlieb

All admit that problems exist. Prepare to reset old ideas and beliefs. Forgive any old slights, misunderstandings.

— @ORICALJONES

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.