Springfield officials sign deal to boost workforce diversity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Springfield officials are making another attempt at diversifying the city's workforce.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports (http://bit.ly/2aeBN2U ) that Mayor Jim Langfelder has signed an agreement with the local chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives to help recruit minorities. The group will provides consulting services for six months at $25,000.

Blacks comprise more than 18 percent of the city's population, but just 5 percent of the police force - 13 out of 246 officers. The last class of cadets was all white.

Police Chief Ken Winslow says he's seeking the best candidate for each opening. He says people with different backgrounds bring different problem-solving perspectives. But recruiting minorities has been difficult in recent years.

The Black Law Enforcement Executives will have office space at Springfield's City Hall.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com