The NYPD is currently made up of about 36,000 Asian Americans, which is around 8 percent of the whole force, according to NBC News. Yet, the percent of Asian American women who graduated from the most recent police academy is a mere 3 percent,
A NY Post article reports that the department is actively looking for more Asian American women. Yet, multiple women in the police department admitted that cultural background has served as a drawback from Asian American women serving as a cop, according to the same article.
“Especially with female Asians, it’s definitely not something that’s embedded through us,” said Canina Sullivan, an NYPD officer of 15 years.
Another NYPD Lieutenant, Lily Fu, confessed that becoming a cop was against her parents’ wishes. It is not a field that is considered a viable career choice for many Asian American families.
However, Sullivan revealed that entering the police department provides many opportunities. She says it is a “great way to fulfill your life.”
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