The Lexington Social Services and Public Safety Committee meeting on July 3, 2025, spotlighted the ongoing challenges in diversifying the police force. Committee members discussed the current representation of female officers, which stands at approximately 11%, significantly below the national average of 13-15%.

The conversation highlighted a long-standing issue, with female representation in the Lexington police department historically hovering around 7-8%. African American officers also face similar challenges, maintaining a consistent representation of about 9% over the past two decades.

This discussion comes as the department seeks to reset its recruitment strategies after setbacks experienced during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. The committee emphasized the importance of addressing these disparities to foster a more inclusive police force that reflects the community it serves.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on implementing new initiatives aimed at improving diversity within the department, ensuring that recruitment efforts are more effective and inclusive. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the future composition of the Lexington police force.