Opinion

New Harrison sheriff should prioritize diversity

 Matt HarveyA column by Matt Harvey, assistant managing editor of The Exponent Telegram

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The law enforcement division of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department is overwhelmingly white and male.

There are no female deputies, no black deputies and just a minuscule fraction (perhaps just one) classifying as a minority.

That’s something that needs to change following the next election.

 It isn’t surprising that workforces throughout West Virginia are predominantly white. The state’s population, after all, is about 94 percent white, according to recent U.S. Census figures.

And females didn’t begin making significant inroads in traditionally male occupations such as the military and law enforcement until recent decades.

That being said, it’s hard to remember any member of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department who was black. Ditto female.

This isn’t to suggest that the new sheriff bend the rules…

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

And get our latest content in your inbox

Invalid email address