The number of minority and female officers in the TPD has dropped over the last seven years despite efforts by the department to recruit more minorities and women. Women make up about 9.5% of the 105-officer force today compared with 12.6% in 2011, while black officers account for 13.3% now versus 15.3% seven years ago.
Women made up 53% of Tupelo's population, according to the 2010 census survey, while black individuals make up 37% and Hispanic individuals 3.5%.
"TPD works hand in hand with the city human resources department to find the best available candidates to become police officers," says Bart Aguirre, the TPD police chief. "A key component of that effort is the intentional recruiting of applicants from Historically Black Colleges."