The study surveyed police departments in the 50 largest U.S. cities. The study concludes that police departments in the 50 largest U.S. cities made uneven progress in the employment of black and Hispanic officers between 1983 and 1988. Nearly half (45 percent) of the police departments made significant progress in the employment of black officers; however, 17 percent reported a decline in the percentage of black officers. A similar pattern existed in the employment of Hispanic police officers. Forty-two percent of the departments reported significant increases in the percentage of Hispanic officers employed. Nearly 11 percent reported a decline, however, and 17 percent reported no change. Affirmative action plans have apparently played a significant role in police employment trends. Nearly two-thirds of the police departments reported operating under an affirmative action plan at some point during the last 5 years. Research needs are identified. 2 tables and 13 notes