You want to know (1) how the Connecticut State Police (CSP) practices for hiring and promoting minorities and females compare with those of state police departments in neighboring states, and (2) how the percentage of minorities and females currently employed by the CSP compares with those of the other departments.

The information in this report is based on a survey conducted in April 2009 and a 2009 CSP Report.

SUMMARY

Of the five states surveyed, only Connecticut provided information on hiring and promotion (see CSP study attached). Consequently, we are unable to compare the departments in these areas.

Maine was unable to provide information on the number of minority officers serving on its force.

With regard to minorities and women currently employed by the departments, the data shows that:

1. On average, minorities (someone other than white/Caucasian) represent less than nine percent of state police personnel; on average, women represent less than eight percent of state police personnel.

2. Connecticut (12.3%) has the highest percentage of minorities of the departments surveyed. Vermont, with three officers (.91%), has the lowest.

3. Connecticut (6.8%) has the lowest percentage of women on its force. Vermont (8.84%) has the highest.

4. Connecticut (2.5%) has the second highest percentage of minorities in leadership positions on the force; Rhode Island (3.03%) has the highest. Vermont (.30%) has the lowest.

5. Connecticut (1.09%) has the lowest percentage of women in leadership positions. Maine (3.6%) has the highest.

MINORITIES IN STATE POLICE

Table 1 shows the number and percentage of minorities in the five state police forces surveyed ranges from .91% (Vermont) to 12.3% (Connecticut). Maine did not respond.

The percentage of minorities serving in leadership positions did not exceed four percent in any state. The percentage ranged from a low of .30% (Vermont) to a high of 3.03% (Rhode Island). For purposes of this report, a leadership position is a rank of sergeant and above.

Table 1: Number and Percentage of Minority

State Police Officers in Surveyed States in 2009

*Source: OLR phone survey & Connecticut State Police Report

WOMEN IN STATE POLICE

Table 2 shows the number and percentage of women in the five state police forces surveyed. In all five states surveyed, women represent less than 9% of the force, ranging from a low of 6.87% in Connecticut to a high of 8.84% in Vermont.

The percentage of women serving in leadership positions ranges from 1.09% (Connecticut) to 3.6% (Maine).

Table 2: Number and Percentage of Female

State Police Officers in Surveyed States in 2009

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