Department Diversity

What is Diversity?

The concept of Diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences, in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department -Department Diversity Committee recognizes that diversity is a large part of what makes our organization strong.

Why Is Appreciating Diversity So Important?

The face of our county, communities, and workplace is changing.

For example:

• A growing number of neighborhoods, communities, and workplaces contain a complex mix of races, cultures, languages, and religious affiliations.

• At the same time, the widening gap between the rich and poor is creating a greater social class diversity.

• Millions of Americans with physical and mental challenges add another dimension of diversity.

For these reasons:

• We are more likely to face the challenges of interacting and working with people different from ourselves.

• The ability to relate well to all types of people in the workplace is a leadership skill that is becoming increasingly important.

• Understanding, accepting, and valuing these diverse backgrounds can help us to thrive in this ever-changing society.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Department Diversity Committee serve you?

The DDC is comprised of a diverse group of professional and sworn employees representing all ranks and divisions of the department. Members take part in the following:

• Meet monthly to confer and discuss issues presented by members

• Attend county and regional events and trainings that promote diversity and inclusion for the purpose of disseminating that knowledge to our Department and its members

• Act as station level representatives to the Office of the Sheriff

• Trained members are able to facilitate conflict resolution

Who serves on the DDC Committee?

Committee members include professional and sworn employees of all ranks and various professions within the department (ie: nurses, culinary, patrol, etc).  The DDC is overseen by an Assistant Sheriff, Deputy Chief, and County Counsel.

How are members selected?

Upon a vacancy availability, applicants submit a resume and interviews are conducted with standing committee members before a decision is made by the committee, overseeing committee chair and Deputy Chief.

Why does the Sheriff’s Department have a DDC?

In adherence with the Countywide Vision, our Department maintains a DDC to improve diversity and inclusion.  Our DDC also acts a liaison to our State Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Mission

As members of the DDC, we work in partnership with the County’s adherence to equal opportunity for all in employment. This includes training, promotion, retention, and benefits, consistent with Federal and State regulations and Board Policy. We strive to positively impact the Sheriff’s Department employees’ quality of work life and customer service provided to the general public.

DDC is a vital component of our Department’s culture and success. Equal employment will be achieved in this organization through responsible leadership and accountability. By working toward an environment that fosters, respects and celebrates the diversity of our workforce, we will achieve our vision of being the premier law enforcement agency in the United States.

Vision

We are committed to being a world-class, professional organization by providing quality services and innovative programs to the diverse communities we serve. We strive to adhere to the highest standards and to reflect the diversity of our community members. We will remain united in our commitment to address crime and quality of life issues by engaging in problem-solving partnerships and striving to maintain the trust of our communities, citizens and staff.

Follow the Department Diversity Committee

on Twitter and Instagram!

• Follow us on Twitter

• Follow us on Instagram

Recognize how we place self-imposed limits on the way we think.

Discover that, in many ways, people from different cultures and backgrounds hold similar values and beliefs.

Become more aware of our own cultural viewpoints and stereotypes that we may have inadvertently picked up.

Respect the differences and similarities in people.