Question

What responsibility does a police department have to become aware and sensitive to the cultural patterns of behavior, rituals, or ceremonial customs that emerge from within multi-cultural communities?

Answer 1

A police department, like other service providers, need to be acquainted with the cultural diversity of multicultural communities. This means being sensitive to different values and pattern of behaviour, and also being aware of the different customs that are present in these communities. This is because part of the job of a policeman is to help citizens feel safe and protected. This cannot be achieved properly if there is significant miscommunication.