Hampton Roads is made up of diverse communities. But when it comes to police departments, that’s not always the case.
A 13News Now investigation reveals no local department completely mirrors the demographics of the communities they serve.
Forty percent of the Hampton Roads population is Black, compared with just 18 percent of the officers across all seven cities.
"In the reform police atmosphere, people want to know what your department looks like," said Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone. "We have a host of races here, and it's important that we represent the city."
Thursday on 13News Now at 11, hear from a top law enforcement official who says the summer of social unrest hasn't made the long-standing challenge of recruiting minorities any easier.
"In the last four to five months, folks have sat right there and said 'Chief, I can't do this anymore,'" Boone said.
But for every officer leaving, others are signing up for service.
We'll introduce you to a young African American woman who recently graduated from one of Chesapeake's most diverse Police Academies ever Thursday at 11 on 13News Now.