How do the racial demographics of the Lexington Police match up with Lexington's racial demographics? If they do not match up very well, what are the hiring goals for the future?

We believe diversity goes far beyond racial demographics. To answer this specific question, according to the Census Reporter (CR) for 2018, our officer demographics compare to Lexington's demographics:


  • Officers: 4% Black; Community 1%
  • Officers: 4% Asian; Community 29%
  • Officers: 2% Hispanic; Community 2%
  • Officers: 80% White; Community 64%
  • Officers 10% vacancy

As of November 2020, we have five officer vacancies with a sixth in February 2021. We welcome diverse candidates to apply. One reason the Town left Civil Service was to diversify the Police Department's ranks. We have advertised widely and have seen more diverse candidates in the most recent recruitment.


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1. Have you done an audit of the department to review potential inequities as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion?
2. What is the breakdown of staff in the Lexington Police Department by rank? What is the diversity makeup of the Department?
3. Does Town Counsel have the DEI expertise to recognize policies that might have unintended consequences for historically marginalized people? Specific expertise is needed for many DEI policy issues.
4. How do the racial demographics of the Lexington Police match up with Lexington's racial demographics? If they do not match up very well, what are the hiring goals for the future?
5. What are we doing to retain a diverse workforce?