South Bend Police Recruiting Data. The Facts.

South Bend Police Recruiting Data. The Facts.

I told you on my show the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the South Bend Police Department (and the city) for alleged violations of Title VII.

The reasons listed by the Biden/Harris administration are that the SBPD requires a physical and written exam to apply to become a police officer. The government says this is not necessary for the job’s duties. That’s obviously insane.

Here’s the SBPD’s response:

The City of South Bend will vigorously defend a lawsuit filed today by the Department of Justice, which accuses the City’s Police Department of unlawful hiring practices.

The City learned of the filing through the DOJ’s press release and has not yet been formally served with the Complaint. Based on a preliminary review, the DOJ is not accusing the City of intentional discrimination. Instead, the lawsuit claims that the City Police Department’s hiring process and testing for new officers has had a disparate impact on female and African American applicants.

The City has consistently sought to build a diverse workforce, while it fulfills the requirements of state law, and makes sure that applicants can perform the job responsibilities of a South Bend police officer.

The South Bend Police Department believes its screening process fairly measures a candidate’s ability to perform the job. Like every other city in Indiana, South Bend must ensure its officers meet certain minimum criteria. Unlike every city in Indiana, South Bend allows every applicant multiple attempts at the physical examination per hiring cycle.

In its lawsuit, the DOJ accuses the SBPD of requiring a physical test that allegedly disproportionately screens women. However, the City’s requirements are consistent with the ILEA, the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (an agency created by Indiana law), which sets the minimum physical standards for police officers in Indiana.

The DOJ’s lawsuit also attacks the SBPD’s written test, which is administered by an outside firm and is similar to written tests in other Indiana police departments, including the Indiana State Police. South Bend has regularly evaluated its written test to make sure it is fair and non-biased. Importantly, all SBPD applicants are invited to free tutoring sessions to prepare for the written test.

SBPD is confident that its standard applicant process results in high quality officers to protect and serve the City.

“I am beyond disappointed that the DOJ has not been forthcoming with how these claims were determined in the first place,” said South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski. “Our hiring process, which includes females and African American applicants, has been consistent over the last ten years and led to an increasingly diverse department, especially over the past several years. We have even asked the outside testing company to modify the written test to open the process to more applicants. We are, and have been, very transparent and inclusive in our hiring process. All requirements are listed online and meet State mandates, and more importantly, meet what our community expects in a professional police officer.”

From 2017 to 2023, SBPD hired 15 female officers and 29 officers of color, accounting for 12.6% and 24.4% of all new officers, respectively. Currently, 9.9% of all officers are females and 11.5% of all officers are black – the highest percentage of black officers since at least 2012. Nationally, female officers make up 13.5% of local police departments and black officers make up 11.6%.[1]

The City, which has been cooperating with the DOJ during its investigation, believes the DOJ’s lawsuit ignores the City’s obligations to comply with state law, will cause a delay in the City’s hiring processes, and amounts to a waste of taxpayer resources.

“The City is committed to recruiting a workforce that represents the community we serve, and the City is proud of the progress we have made over the past several years,” said Mayor James Mueller. “Our police department has worked diligently to increase the number of officers from underrepresented groups and to follow the letter and spirit of Indiana and federal law. Although the costs of this targeted litigation will be borne by federal and local taxpayers, the City will not voluntarily agree to federal control. We hope that common sense will prevail during the judicial process.”

[1] Local Police Departments Personnel, 2020. United States Department of Justice, November 2022.

City of South Bend

The City of South Bend gets a lot of things wrong. However, they have an awesome police data portal. This portal is accessible to everyone for free and covers recruitment data.

The chart above is for overall numbers.

The chart below is for SBPD recruiting based on ethnicity.

Nearly 65% of Black candidates passed the written test.

Nearly 85% of White candidates passed the written test.

This appears to be the source of the Biden/Harris administration’s ire.

77% of Black candidates passed the physical test.

White candidates passed with an 87% rate.

Black and White candidates were nearly equal in the percentage who made it past the background check to the polygraph, medical, and psych evaluations to be hired.

This simplified chart only compares Black, White, and all candidates:

South Bend police recruiting Black, White, and all candidates.

The Biden/Harris DOJ also alleges the physical test is sexist against women. Below is a chart for SBPD recruiting based on gender:

South Bend Police recruiting by gender 2017-2023.

Just under 54% of women candidates passed the physical test.

Just over 87% of men passed the physical test.

This is at the heart of the DOJ’s allegations.

Nearly 88% of women passed the written test.

Just under 80% of men passed the written test.

Notice the DOJ isn’t concerned with women outperforming men on the written requirement.

Women also performed better than men on the personal evaluation and the background check. All were ignored by the DOJ in this issue.

Men and women were also nearly equal in the percentage who made it past the background check to the polygraph, medical, and psych evaluations to be hired.

Various sources of data on these statistics fluctuate a couple of percentage points here and there. I used data mainly from the National Policing Institute. That’s why you will see some of my numbers differ slightly from the numbers released by South Bend.

Looking at the data, you can see that as long as a candidate can get past the required examinations, they stand roughly and equal chance of getting hired regardless of race or gender.

Furthermore, since 2017, the South Bend Police Department has hired more Black officers and Women officers than is the national average. Their total force is getting closer to national averages as a whole. This is line with my interview with SBPD Chief Scott Ruszkowski in August of 2017 where he highlighted the efforts to diversify the department after former mayor Pete Buttigieg became a national story and had an embarrassing campaign setback due to his stance on policing. Chief Ruszkowski assured my in 2017 that they were making efforts to diversify the department but that they weren’t going to jeopardize the department’s quality in doing so. Candidates needed to meet the requirements and standards.

The SBPD doesn’t even administer the tests the DOJ is suing them over. They are administered by a third party who works with over 100 agencies in multiple states.

The department has been using the same written test since 2012, and the physical testing is mandated by the state of Indiana, according to department sources. This has never been brought up before now.

In January 2021, Joe Biden chose Kristen Clarke to head the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Suddenly, the SBPD is in the crosshairs.

Clarke has a history of race-obsessed left-wing activism and election denying. She has previously claimed that Blacks had “superior physical and mental abilities” to others. She also invited an antisemitic conspiracy theorist to be a guest speaker on campus at Harvard.

Clarke’s disturbing history of bigotry and left-wing zealotry is concerning enough. However, it’s her history of supporting the radical ‘defund the police’ movement that is most concerning.

Given Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s ties with the city of South Bend, his tattered relationship with the SBPD, and Kristen Clarke’s radicalism, one has to wonder if this might be personal against the SBPD. One also has to consider that the DOJ is advancing the ‘defund the police’ agenda with this lawsuit.

CHEAT SHEET

Key Takeaways from the Blog Post on South Bend Police Recruiting Data

  1. DOJ Lawsuit Against South Bend Police Department (SBPD)
    • The DOJ has sued SBPD and the City of South Bend, alleging discrimination in hiring practices under Title VII.
    • The lawsuit claims that the physical and written tests used by SBPD disproportionately impact female and Black applicants, despite SBPD arguing that these exams are essential to police duties.
  2. SBPD’s Defense and Response
    • The City of South Bend asserts that the tests comply with Indiana state law and are aligned with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy’s standards.
    • SBPD emphasizes that applicants have multiple attempts to pass the physical exam during a hiring cycle and access to free tutoring sessions for the written test.
    • The department argues that the lawsuit ignores SBPD’s efforts to build a diverse police force and meet community expectations.
  3. Recruitment Data Analysis
    • Black candidates have a pass rate of 77% on the physical test, compared to 87% for White candidates.
    • The physical exam pass rate for women is lower at 54%, compared to 87% for men, which forms the core of the DOJ’s discrimination claim.
    • Women perform better than men on the written test (88% vs. 80%) and background evaluations, but the DOJ does not highlight these results in its lawsuit.
    • SBPD maintains that candidates who clear the required tests stand equal chances of hiring regardless of gender or race.
  4. Efforts Toward Diversity
    • From 2017-2023, SBPD hired 15 female officers (12.6%) and 29 officers of color (24.4%), bringing it closer to national averages for diversity in police departments.
    • SBPD Chief Scott Ruszkowski has reiterated efforts to diversify without compromising hiring standards.
  5. Political and Personal Factors in the Lawsuit
    • The blog suggests that the lawsuit may be influenced by political motives given South Bend’s connection to Pete Buttigieg, and the involvement of Kristen Clarke, head of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, who has a controversial history with race-related activism and police reform advocacy.
  6. Third-Party Test Administration
    • SBPD clarifies that the tests are administered by a third-party organization used by multiple agencies across states and have been in place since 2012 without previous legal challenges.
  7. Impact on City Resources
    • South Bend officials criticize the lawsuit as a waste of taxpayer resources and emphasize their commitment to following both state and federal law.

This summary highlights how the city believes its hiring practices are fair and compliant with legal standards while portraying the DOJ’s lawsuit as politically motivated and harmful to local hiring efforts.

Daily Show Prep: Wednesday, Oct. 9

Daily Show Prep: Wednesday, Oct. 9

Hour 1

North Carolina Elections Board Makes Emergency Voting Changes In Counties Hardest Hit By Helene

Helicopter with Pilots Wearing ‘Military Headgear’ Sabotages Hurricane Helene Recovery Supplies

UPDATE: North Carolina National Guard Admits They ‘Rotor Washed’ a Hurricane Helene Relief Site

‘Still No FEMA’ As Blank Page Harris Plays Politics With Hurricane Relief

North Carolina Mayor’s Daughter Applied for Kamala’s $750 FEMA Payment and Was DENIED

Peter Doocy Drops the Receipts About ‘Misinformation’ on KJP and Kamala – That’s Going to Leave a Mark


Hour 2

EXCLUSIVE: Trump Shooter’s Toxicology Results Revealed

Oversight Project Tracks Travel History of Would-Be Trump Assassins, With Interesting Results

Indiana man gets 9 years for fracturing infant’s skull after entering plea deal

How much did it cost Indiana to obtain the drug it needed to resume state executions?

Todd Rokita, Destiny Wells to debate this week in race for Indiana Attorney General


Hour 3

Update: Church safety-team member arrested for lying about “jihadist” shooters

Walz comes out against U.S. Constitution, says Electoral College “needs to go”

Another Media ‘Fact-Check’ on Trump (This Time From CNN) Has Aged Like Milk in the Summer Sun

FBI arrests Afghan man who officials say planned Election Day attack in the US

Report: More than 50 jihadist cases in 29 states show ‘persistent terror threat’

Deadspin Fails to Get Defamation Suit Thrown Out after ‘Blackface’ Hoax

Why Your Middle Finger is Better Than Others: A Fascinating Insight into the Anatomy and Symbolism of Fingers

Why Your Middle Finger is Better Than Others: A Fascinating Insight into the Anatomy and Symbolism of Fingers

Outline:

  1. Introduction
    • The significance of fingers in human life
    • The middle finger’s unique role
  2. H1: The Anatomy of the Middle Finger
    • H2: Bone Structure and Length
    • H2: Muscle and Tendon Functionality
    • H2: Why It’s the Strongest Finger
  3. H1: The Role of the Middle Finger in Everyday Activities
    • H2: Gripping and Lifting
    • H2: Typing and Writing
    • H2: Playing Musical Instruments
  4. H1: The Middle Finger in Hand Gestures and Communication
    • H2: The Iconic Hand Gesture
    • H2: Cultural Significance Across the World
    • H2: Why the Middle Finger Gesture is So Powerful
  5. H1: The Middle Finger in Sports and Physical Performance
    • H2: Importance in Grip Strength
    • H2: Middle Finger in Combat Sports
    • H2: Its Role in Sports Like Basketball and Rock Climbing
  6. H1: Psychological and Social Impacts of the Middle Finger
    • H2: Emotional Expression through Gestures
    • H2: Middle Finger in Art and Media
  7. H1: Fun Facts about the Middle Finger
    • H2: Longest Finger on the Hand
    • H2: Historical Origins of the Gesture
  8. H1: Why Your Middle Finger is Truly Special
    • H2: Symbolism in Literature and Culture
    • H2: Practical Advantages Over Other Fingers
  9. Conclusion
  10. FAQs
    • What makes the middle finger stronger than other fingers?
    • Why does the middle finger play a significant role in gripping?
    • How did the middle finger gesture originate?
    • Is the middle finger gesture the same across cultures?
    • Can someone function without their middle finger?

Why Your Middle Finger is Better Than Others: A Fascinating Insight into the Anatomy and Symbolism of Fingers

We use our hands for almost everything we do, from picking up our morning cup of coffee to typing on a computer. But have you ever stopped to think about how each finger plays its own role? Among all of them, the middle finger stands out in more ways than one. Whether it’s for practical purposes or symbolic gestures, the middle finger is undeniably special. In this article, we’ll dive into why your middle finger is better than others, both from a physical and a symbolic perspective.

The Anatomy of the Middle Finger

Bone Structure and Length

Your middle finger is the longest of all the fingers on your hand. It’s made up of three bones called phalanges, which are connected by two joints. The length of this finger gives it leverage, allowing it to apply more force than the shorter fingers. This structural advantage makes it essential for tasks that require strength and stability, like holding or lifting objects.

Muscle and Tendon Functionality

Like the rest of your fingers, the middle finger is controlled by a series of muscles and tendons that run along your arm and hand. However, it’s the balance between strength and flexibility that sets this finger apart. The muscles associated with the middle finger are capable of providing greater force because of its central position in the hand.

Why It’s the Strongest Finger

Thanks to its location, the middle finger benefits from the support of neighboring fingers. When you grip an object, your middle finger works in tandem with your thumb and index finger, forming a triad of strength. This trio is crucial for precision and power in actions like holding, lifting, or squeezing.

The Role of the Middle Finger in Everyday Activities

Gripping and Lifting

When you grab something heavy, your middle finger contributes most of the gripping power. Without it, your ability to hold objects would be significantly weakened. Ever try gripping something without your middle finger? You’d notice how much harder it is to maintain a firm hold.

Typing and Writing

Your middle finger plays a pivotal role in typing. It’s responsible for striking a variety of keys on the keyboard, making it one of the most active fingers during typing. Similarly, in handwriting, its length and central position help maintain balance and control.

Playing Musical Instruments

For musicians, especially guitarists, pianists, and violinists, the middle finger is indispensable. It helps form chords, press keys, and navigate complex melodies. Its strength and dexterity allow for seamless movements that other fingers might struggle to execute as smoothly.

The Middle Finger in Hand Gestures and Communication

The Iconic Hand Gesture

We all know the infamous middle finger gesture, but why is this finger chosen over others? Its height and position make it the perfect candidate for creating a clear, emphatic gesture. When raised alone, it stands tall and unmissable, sending a message that’s as clear as day.

Cultural Significance Across the World

Though the middle finger gesture is widely recognized as offensive in many Western cultures, not all cultures use this particular sign. In some parts of the world, different hand gestures carry similar meanings. However, the middle finger has remained a powerful symbol of defiance and rebellion throughout history, spanning across cultures and eras.

Why the Middle Finger Gesture is So Powerful

Part of the gesture’s power comes from its bold simplicity. The middle finger’s central location and height when extended amplify its visibility, making it an easy and effective way to convey strong emotion, whether it’s anger, frustration, or rebellion.

The Middle Finger in Sports and Physical Performance

Importance in Grip Strength

Athletes rely heavily on their middle fingers for grip strength. Whether you’re playing tennis, lifting weights, or swinging a baseball bat, the middle finger provides essential support. It’s often used in tandem with the thumb and index finger to maximize control and power.

Middle Finger in Combat Sports

In combat sports like martial arts or boxing, the middle finger helps form a solid fist. Its placement at the center of the hand ensures that the punch has balance and force, as it’s one of the key contributors to the overall structure of the fist.

Its Role in Sports Like Basketball and Rock Climbing

For basketball players, the middle finger is crucial for ball control, especially when shooting or passing. Rock climbers also rely heavily on this finger for gripping onto small holds and balancing their body weight while scaling difficult terrains.

Psychological and Social Impacts of the Middle Finger

Emotional Expression through Gestures

Hand gestures are an essential part of non-verbal communication, and the middle finger plays a unique role in this realm. It can express a range of emotions, from frustration and anger to defiance. This finger has, in many ways, become synonymous with strong, emotional responses.

Middle Finger in Art and Media

Throughout history, the middle finger has appeared in countless works of art, films, and even literature. From political cartoons to movie scenes, the gesture is often used to make a bold statement. It’s a universal symbol of rebellion and non-conformity that artists have employed to reflect societal moods.

Fun Facts about the Middle Finger

Longest Finger on the Hand

Your middle finger is not only the longest but also one of the most flexible. Its length gives it an advantage in tasks that require reaching or stability, making it an indispensable part of your hand’s toolkit.

Historical Origins of the Gesture

The middle finger gesture dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient Roman and Greek cultures. It has always carried a certain level of taboo, often being used as an insult or symbol of defiance against authority figures.

Why Your Middle Finger is Truly Special

Symbolism in Literature and Culture

In literature and pop culture, the middle finger often symbolizes rebellion or independence. It’s a finger that speaks for those who refuse to follow the rules or conform to societal expectations. Whether in music, movies, or novels, the middle finger remains a potent symbol of freedom and individuality.

Practical Advantages Over Other Fingers

From an anatomical perspective, the middle finger’s strength, length, and versatility give it practical advantages over other fingers. Whether you’re gripping, lifting, or typing, the middle finger’s role is unmatched. Its central position ensures that it’s always a key player in hand-related tasks.

Conclusion

From its anatomical strengths to its symbolic power, the middle finger is undeniably the most versatile and important finger on your hand. It’s not just a tool for gripping or typing; it’s a means of emotional expression and a symbol of defiance. Whether in sports, everyday activities, or cultural gestures, your middle finger stands out as a strong, essential part of who you are.

FAQs

What makes the middle finger stronger than other fingers?
The middle finger’s length and central position in the hand give it leverage and strength, allowing it to apply more force during activities like gripping or lifting.

Why does the middle finger play a significant role in gripping?
The middle finger works closely with the thumb and index finger to form a strong grip. Its length and positioning make it a key player in maintaining control over objects.

How did the middle finger gesture originate?
The middle finger gesture dates back to ancient Roman and Greek cultures, where it was used as an insult. Over time, it became a universal symbol of defiance.

Is the middle finger gesture the same across cultures?
No, while the middle finger gesture is offensive in many Western cultures, other cultures may use different gestures to convey similar emotions.

Can someone function without their middle finger?
While it’s possible to function without a middle finger, it would significantly affect one’s ability to perform tasks requiring strength, precision, or balance, like gripping, typing, and holding objects. The other fingers would need to compensate, which could lead to decreased efficiency or increased strain on the hand.

FAQs (continued)

Can someone function without their middle finger?
Yes, it’s possible to function without a middle finger, but many tasks would become more challenging. Since the middle finger contributes to grip strength and balance in everyday activities, its absence would require adjustment and the reliance on the other fingers for compensation.

Why is the middle finger commonly used for gestures of defiance?
The middle finger is often used for defiance because of its central and prominent position on the hand. It’s easily seen when extended alone, making it an effective gesture for communicating frustration or rebellion, especially in a non-verbal, visual way.

How does the middle finger impact musical performance?
Musicians rely heavily on the middle finger for flexibility, strength, and reach. For instance, guitarists use it to form chords and transitions, while pianists utilize its range for playing multiple keys. The finger’s dexterity and positioning help ensure fluid, coordinated movements across instruments.

What are some common injuries involving the middle finger?
The middle finger is often prone to strain, sprains, or tendon injuries due to its central role in gripping and lifting. Athletes or individuals working with tools might experience overuse injuries like trigger finger or tendonitis. Proper care, stretching, and rest can help prevent these issues.

Why is the middle finger longer than the other fingers?
The middle finger’s length is tied to its evolutionary advantage in providing leverage for gripping and lifting. The extended length enhances balance and allows for greater strength when applying force to objects. It’s nature’s way of making sure the hand functions optimally.


The middle finger, often overlooked in day-to-day life, holds much more importance than we might think. From its anatomy and functionality to its symbolic role in culture, the middle finger proves to be a versatile and essential part of the hand. Whether helping us carry out practical tasks or allowing us to express complex emotions, the middle finger stands tall — literally and metaphorically — as the strongest, most significant finger.

Written by Bot

Podcast – LNG Emissions Study Flip, Christian Nationalism Drama, and a Flight Attendant’s Blessing Backlash

Podcast – LNG Emissions Study Flip, Christian Nationalism Drama, and a Flight Attendant’s Blessing Backlash

October 4, 2024 – Hour 3

In this episode of The Burning Truth with Casey Hendrickson, we cover the Biden administration’s LNG pause and the surprising reversal from a key study that now reports emissions are much lower than originally claimed. We also dive into the latest Christian Nationalism drama, featuring what might be the funniest (now deleted) accusation to date. Finally, a left-wing editor faces brutal backlash after calling out a flight attendant for simply wishing her a “blessed night.”

#CaseyHendrickson, #TheBurningTruth, #LNGPause, #ChristianNationalism, #BidenAdministration, #ViralBacklash, #FlightAttendantDrama

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daily Show Prep: Thursday, August 15

Daily Show Prep: Thursday, August 15

Welcome to another episode of The Burning Truth with Casey Hendrickson. Below is a collection of links to sources used for today’s show.


Hour 1:

In the first hour of The Burning Truth, we discussed Kamala Harris’ Soviet-style proposal:

Key Sources:  

Kamala Harris to Announce Soviet-Style Price Controls on Food Under Guise of ‘Gouging Ban’

EXCLUSIVE MRC POLL: Most Dem Voters Don’t Know About Harris’s Radicalism

Kamala Harris’s Competency Makeover: Magic Or Media Manipulation?

As much as I hate sending you to RNM, it is his story.


Hour 2:

In our second hour, we shifted gears to explore Kellyanne Conway and others who have ties to Ukraine working to thwart Trump:

Key Sources:  

Conway becomes latest DC power player linked to Pinchuk

Guess We Can Report This Now: FOIA Shows Hunter Asked US Embassy in Italy to Help Burisma When Joe Was VP

Secret Service Agent Abandoned Post Guarding Trump To Breastfeed: REPORT

Caught Sleeping on the Job? Trump’s Secret Service Detail Is an Absolute Disaster

Indiana IREAD results show increase in proficiency rates


Hour 3:

In the final hour, we wrapped up today’s show with Rep. Jim Banks and the weird Indiana PAC:

Key Sources:  

Interview: Rep. Jim Banks

Indiana Attorney General taking legal action against Monroe County Sheriff’s Office over enforcement of immigration rules

Casey goes over the bizarre case of why Hoosier Honor PAC is running ads for Sen. Todd Young, and why are they such a mystery?

Peter Schweizer: Tim Walz Tied to Chinese ‘Secret Police Stations’ That Kidnap CCP Critics


Watch the full show on video here.