Demographics of Sworn Officers in Small and Rural Pennsylvania Police Departments
Dr. Jennifer Gibbs, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Penn State Extension, Penn State University
Most police officers in the United States are men and White. However, officers with other demographic backgrounds (e.g., women, people of color) offer different perspectives to the job. Indeed, research indicates that various demographic backgrounds have many positive outcomes in policing, yet police departments struggle to hire women and officers of color. Recruiting diverse applicants is especially difficult in small and rural areas, which are vastly understudied in the policing literature. This session will report the results of a study assessing officer demographics in small and rural police departments. In particular, this session will summarize comparisons among urban/rural departments, varying municipality characteristics, and more using survey data from 349 small and rural Pennsylvania police chiefs, coupled with Census data.
A Mysterious Case of Vanishing Farms
Michaela A. Miller, Quantitative Data Analyst
Center for Rural Pennsylvania
Two decades ago, over 60,000 farms spanned about 8 million acres across the Commonwealth. The latest data released in 2024 by the U.S. Census of Agriculture show a loss of nearly 15,000 farms and 800,000 acres of farmland since that time. This presentation will use data to explore the potential reasons why. Are farmer retirements on the rise, or perhaps has there been a trend towards the consolidation and corporatization of agriculture? And ultimately, how will these phenomena affect the industry in the future?
Using State Data to Examine Teacher Supply, Demand, and Shortages in PA
Dr. Edward Fuller, Professor of Education
Penn State University
In this session, I will explore teacher supply, demand, and shortages in Pennsylvania using state administrative data from 2014 through 2024. I will examine the overall supply of teachers, supply by geographic area, supply by subject area, and the supply of teachers of color. I will examine demand by documenting teacher attrition, teacher turnover, and newly hired teachers. I will delve further into these issues by geographic locale, school characteristics, and teacher characteristics. Finally, I will discuss the shortage of teachers by subject area, district characteristics, and teacher characteristics. I conclude with a brief discussion of potential polices that might strengthen the teacher workforce in Pennsylvania.
Understanding the Successes and Challenges in the Harrisburg Region
Ryan Unger, President & CEO
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
A look at the data that makes the Harrisburg region tick, and what we are doing about it.
Empowering Tomorrow: Harnessing the power of data to shape a solid future
Deborah Tollett, Senior Director, Research & Analytics
Michael Williams, Local Government Policy Specialist, Municipal Statistics
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
In our rapidly changing world, decisions made by today’s leaders can mean the difference between a future with strong, thriving communities, or a future with communities that are left behind. This session explores the importance of data in informing smart decisions today that will position Pennsylvania’s communities for a strong, vibrant future.
Using Data for Diverse Perspectives: Opportunities for Strategic Inclusive Growth
Norman Bristol Colón, Chief Diversity Officer
Governor’s Office of Administration
This session, "Using Data for Diverse Perspectives: Opportunities for Strategic Inclusive Growth," explores how data analysis can be leveraged to identify and address disparities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for strategic growth.
Panel Discussion
Strengthening Communities: Latinos Driving Change Across Sectors
Moderated by
Raffy Luquis, PhD, Interim Director, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Penn State Harrisburg
Panelists
Abraham Amoros, Deputy Executive Director
PA Municipal League
Dr. Axel Rodriguez Rosa
Penn State College of Medicine
Jaime Arroyo, CEO
Office of Data Quality, Assets Lancaster
Dr. Jamile Tellez Lieberman, Senior VP
Esperanza