Windsor Police service is looking to diversify the force.
Diversity Officer Neil McEachrane and his team dropped into the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Centre in south-Walkerville Saturday. The recruitment and information session is designed to meet some kids and inspire them to help their community through law enforcement.
Around 50-kids of varying ages listened to several officers who have adapted to life in Canada. McEachrane arrived in Canada from Trinidad and Tobago years ago, picked up the language, and found his second family in law enforcement.
He tells AM800 News he's seen how cultural understanding can be enhanced first hand and wants to inspire kids to follow his lead.
"When we work together with someone from a different culture we learn about that person and their culture, so as we go into a community it's easier for us to relate to that community," he says.
McEachrane says a negative opinion of police in some countries is an unfortunate reality — making it imperative every culture is represented to show new comers Windsor police are here to help them, not oppress them.
"Makes them feel like they're apart it, so I think it's extremely important to get our services diversified because we are a very diverse city here in Windsor," says McEachrane. "The more diverse we become I think it helps us in that process of attracting candidates."