Minority Police/Fire Recruiting Efforts Falling Short So Far

The Columbus police and fire departments continue to be dominated by a white, male workforce. The city recruited fewer minorities this year than in the last hiring cycle three years ago. Columbus city officials have spent 80-thousand dollars to attract more minorities and women to the ranks. Mayor Michael Coleman ordered Department of Public Safety officials last year to increase minority recruiting efforts after attending a graduation ceremony that featured all white firefighter recruits. The city says 90 percent of fire personnel and 85 percent of police are white males.