The NYPD has often touted that its force is racially diverse, but the same can not be said about its commanding officers. However, there's been an effort to change that. NY1's Dean Meminger filed hte following report.

It was an important moment in the NYPD as 17 captains were promoted. The majority of them are people of color.

"We think the captains' promotions today were our most diverse group in the modern history of the department," said Police Commissioner William Bratton.

The 17 who were promoted from lieutenant to captain included one black officer, one Asian officer and eight Hispanic officers.

Captain Angel Figueroa says increasing diversity at all levels of the department is useful in dealing with the public.

"In my experience in the streets, sometimes the people do seek the minority officers," Figueroa said. "I'm not going to say it makes our job easier, but we can probably better relate."

There are 392 captains, and 303, more than 75 percent, are white. There are 44 Hispanics, 35 blacks, and 10 Asians.

Only captains are eligible to oversee precincts, and become inspectors and chiefs.

"We have been advocating with our fraternal groups, all those calling for more representation in the leadership of the department," Bratton said. You have to work with us. You have to take those exams. You have to study."

Still, some lieutenants have been reluctant to take the captain's exam because unlike lieutenants, captains do not earn overtime.

Roy Richter, the head of the captains' union, says it's all about determination to move up the NYPD ladder.

"The civil service test that each of these captains took and passed is colorblind," Richter said. "This is about opportunity, and I am glad that a diverse workforce is taking advantage of that opportunity."

That's exactly what Tracy Mulet is doing. Out of about 130 people on this year's captains list, she was ranked number one.

"I have met quiet a few other women of color who have told me they have given up, and I hope seeing me that motivates them to study again and keep studying and keep trying to get here," Mulet said.

The NYPD says when the next group of captains is promoted, it may end up with even more diversity in the upper ranks.