Thoughts on the Professional Careers of Hungarian Roma Police Officers in Connection With an English Law Enforcement Research

Abstract

Aim: In theory, we know that further increasing the number of Roma police officers in Hungary would be important for several reasons. On the one hand, improving social inclusion and mobility indicators is a fundamentally important social interest, and on the other hand, taking into account the specificities of the sector, it would also have numerous advantages in terms of improving the results of law enforcement. If we acknowledge the need to increase the number of police officers of Roma origin, after recognizing the difficulties associated with this, it is necessary to examine the laws based on scientific foundations and then implement them in practice in order to find a solution.

Methodology: Between August 1998 and January 1999, research was conducted in eight law enforcement departments in the United Kingdom on the progress of minority police officers after entering service, with the aim of identifying the factors that directly and indirectly influence the careers of ethnic minority police officers (Bland et al. 1999). The research addresses personnel records, recruitment and retention difficulties, advancement difficulties for minorities and the under-representation of minorities in law enforcement functions.

Findings: There are many problems to be solved and tasks to be completed in the field, including recognizing the importance of recruitment and retention, promoting the field of law enforcement and setting good examples in educational institutions. An overview of the career paths of Roma police officers in the system can provide usable data, as can an analysis of individual life paths and successful careers. The study also addresses the career opportunities and origins of Roma police officers already in the system, as well as the dangers of their credibility and possible lack of credibility.

Value: In my study, I have used the aforementioned Home Office research as a guide and comparison, in order to provide an idea of ​​what characterizes the domestic minority recruitment and retention of ethnic minority professionals in the Hungarian police. My study urges the strengthening of European comparative policing research by examining the career profile of police officers belonging to the Roma minority.

Aim: In theory, we know that further increasing the number of Roma police officers in Hungary would be important for several reasons. On the one hand, improving social inclusion and mobility indicators is a fundamentally important social interest, and on the other hand, taking into account the specificities of the sector, it would also have numerous advantages in terms of improving the results of law enforcement. If we acknowledge the need to increase the number of police officers of Roma origin, after recognizing the difficulties associated with this, it is necessary to examine the laws based on scientific foundations and then implement them in practice in order to find a solution.

Methodology: Between August 1998 and January 1999, research was conducted in eight law enforcement departments in the United Kingdom on the progress of minority police officers after entering service, with the aim of identifying the factors that directly and indirectly influence the careers of ethnic minority police officers (Bland et al. 1999). The research addresses personnel records, recruitment and retention difficulties, advancement difficulties for minorities and the under-representation of minorities in law enforcement functions.

Findings: There are many problems to be solved and tasks to be completed in the field, including recognizing the importance of recruitment and retention, promoting the field of law enforcement and setting good examples in educational institutions. An overview of the career paths of Roma police officers in the system can provide usable data, as can an analysis of individual life paths and successful careers. The study also addresses the career opportunities and origins of Roma police officers already in the system, as well as the dangers of their credibility and possible lack of credibility.

Value: In my study, I have used the aforementioned Home Office research as a guide and comparison, in order to provide an idea of ​​what characterizes the domestic minority recruitment and retention of ethnic minority professionals in the Hungarian police. My study urges the strengthening of European comparative policing research by examining the career profile of police officers belonging to the Roma minority.