Mentorship in Law Enforcement: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Force for the Future

By Matthew Brodacki

As someone who has spent years working in law enforcement, I’ve come to believe that mentorship is one of the most important elements of building a strong, effective police force. Mentorship isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about guiding, supporting, and developing the next generation of officers who will serve and protect our communities, and become even better then our generation.

More importantly, it’s about shaping a diverse and inclusive force that truly reflects the people it serves.

In today’s rapidly evolving society, the role of law enforcement is under more scrutiny than ever. Law enforcement exchanges average almost 4 million transactions a day often with citizens who may be troubled, mentally ill, or intent on molevslence.

It has become normal practice for less than a handful of transactions that go terribly wrong to Mele headlines, but the media often do not speak of the hundreds of police officers murdered yearly just for wearing a blue uniform regardless of faith, ethnicity, or belief system.

To meet the challenges of the future, we need to make sure that our police departments are staffed with individuals who come from all walks of life, bringing with them different perspectives and experiences. And this diversity starts with mentorship — by providing opportunities, guidance, and support to those who may not have traditionally seen themselves in law enforcement.

Why Mentorship Matters in Law Enforcement

Mentorship is essential in any profession, but in law enforcement, it plays a critical role in shaping the values, skills, and leadership qualities of new officers. Police work is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about building relationships with the community, making quick decisions under pressure, and maintaining integrity in the face of difficult challenges. These are not skills that can be learned in a classroom or from a textbook — they are developed over time, with guidance from experienced mentors.

Early in my career, I had the privilege of working with seasoned officers who took the time to mentor me. They taught me not only the technical aspects of the job but also the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience. They helped me navigate the complexities of policing and showed me what it truly means to serve with honor. Their mentorship shaped me into the officer I am today, and I’ve made it a point to pay that forward by mentoring the younger generation.

Mentorship provides a support system for new officers, offering them a space to ask questions, seek advice, and learn from the experiences of others. It also gives them role models to look up to — people who have successfully navigated the challenges of law enforcement and can show them the path to success.

The Importance of Diversity in Policing

One of the most important aspects of mentorship today is its role in promoting diversity and inclusion in law enforcement. We need police forces that reflect the communities they serve. When the individuals enforcing the law share backgrounds, experiences, and cultural knowledge with the people they protect, trust and cooperation naturally improve.

However, diversity doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intentional effort. One of the most effective ways to promote diversity in law enforcement is through targeted mentorship programs that reach out to underrepresented groups. Many young people, especially from minority communities, may not consider law enforcement as a viable career option. They may feel that the profession is closed off to them or that they don’t see enough people like themselves in police uniforms. This is where mentorship can make a real difference.

As part of the NAACP task force in Fairfield County, I’ve worked closely with leaders like Brenda Penn Williams to recruit and mentor minority officers. We’ve held panels, workshops, and outreach programs to show young people from underrepresented backgrounds that they not only have a place in law enforcement, but that their voices are needed to build a more just and effective police force.

A dear friend of mine from childhood is Otis Jemal Baskins, who is now a Lieutenant in Naugatuck, CT. His journey through the ranks is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of providing opportunities for growth and leadership to everyone.

Otid anf I may have grown up together, both lost a parent before turning 21, and made it a life’s mission to help, but we can respect and discuss how we can pull communities together not rip them apart.

Building an Inclusive Force Through Mentorship

Mentorship doesn’t stop at recruitment — it’s an ongoing process that helps officers throughout their careers. One of the key challenges in building a diverse force is ensuring that once individuals join the department, they feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. This is where mentorship is crucial.

For underrepresented officers, the challenges of law enforcement can sometimes feel even greater. They may face additional scrutiny or feel isolated in a department that lacks diversity. Mentors can provide much-needed guidance and support, helping these officers navigate the complexities of the job while staying true to their identity and values.

An inclusive mentorship program focuses not only on technical skills but also on leadership development. It helps officers build the confidence to take on new roles and responsibilities, preparing them for leadership positions within the department. This is how we create a truly inclusive force — by ensuring that diversity exists not just at the entry level but at all levels of leadership.

The Long-Term Impact of Mentorship

The long-term impact of mentorship in law enforcement cannot be overstated. When we invest in mentoring the next generation of officers, we’re not just preparing them for individual success — we’re setting the foundation for the future of policing. A diverse and inclusive police force is better equipped to handle the challenges of modern society. It’s more innovative, more empathetic, and more responsive to the needs of the community.

Mentorship also plays a key role in fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. When communities see that their police officers come from diverse backgrounds and that they are being mentored and developed to lead with integrity, it helps build bridges of understanding and cooperation. This trust is essential for effective policing and for ensuring public safety in the long term.

Conclusion

Mentorship in law enforcement is about more than just teaching new officers how to do their jobs — it’s about shaping the future of policing. By fostering diversity and inclusion through mentorship, we’re building a force that truly represents the community it serves. We’re creating a law enforcement culture that values empathy, integrity, and leadership at every level.

As I continue my work in law enforcement, I remain committed to mentoring the next generation of officers and advocating for programs that promote diversity. I believe that through mentorship, we can create a stronger, more inclusive, and more effective police force — one that is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow while building trust and cooperation with the communities we protect.