City Council Votes to Authorize New Police Academy Class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2020

WILMINGTON – At Thursday’s Wilmington City Council meeting, Council voted to pass a resolution calling for the commencement of an academy class for the Police Department.
The vote had been previously delayed amid concerns from several Councilmembers regarding the lack of diversity on the police force.
Councilman Christofer Johnson stated “I am glad that the issue of diversity continues to be a top priority for the Wilmington Police Department. As a City it is important that we not only embrace diversity in our communities but also our public and private workforce.”
“We do not want to put our men and women in uniform at risk of being short staffed, however, I agree that a deeper conversation around diversity is needed,” said Council President Hanifa Shabazz. “There should be a well thought out plan to increase efforts around recruiting a diverse pool of candidates to the Wilmington Police Department. I am hopeful that this new academy class will be representative of the rich diversity of our City”
“Unfortunately, the lack of candidates for police officer positions has been increasing nationwide for the last ten years,” said Councilwoman Loretta Walsh. “Besides a strong diversity campaign, the administration also has to sell these positions as a great career choice and opportunity for individuals to make a real positive difference in and for our society.”

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