Windsor police introduces diversity officer

Windsor policehas its first diversity officer.

Sgt. Wren Dosant is a 26-year veteran of the department whose parents immigrated to Canada from the Caribbean in 1948.

"I am a pioneer," Dosanttold the crowd at a public meeting for his induction,which included members from various diverse cultural groups in the community.

Dosant's job will be to forge and retain relationships between the police and the different cultural groups in the city.

He will also deliver anti-racism, anti-discrimination and cultural diversity training to police officers.

Dosant's introduction came after the presentation of the findings of an evaluation the police service has been engaged in over the past four years, called the Human Rights Project.

The study by two professors from York University found the police service has improved its relationship with the community and its internal policies with its own officers from diverse backgrounds.

But the researchalso suggested the police servicemore to do, andrecommended the appointment of the diversity officer.

"The project will serve as a foundation that we can add layers to, thus ensuring its sustainability," Dosant said.

But Dosant also called on the visible minority community to cooperate with police in improving relations.

"To strengthen our policies and seek out best practices," said Dosant. "It cannot be driven by the police alone. It must be a true partnership."

Mayor Drew Dilkens pledged to include more people from diverse backgrounds in the hiring process at city hall.

He said over the next four years there will be more opportunities as the city expects to see a number of retirements.

"We'll continue to evaluated. We'll continue to monitor. And we'll continue to make improvements in our service. In our community at our city," Dilkens said.

"One of things I mentioned in my inaugural address was the need for our city,our employees at our city to better reflect the diversity in our community," he said.

Police chief Al Frederick said he used to think diversity and outreach was the responsibility of all the officers but now realizes the importance of having a diversity officer dedicated to the task.

"[Dosant] is certainly going to elevate our status within diverse cultures," said Frederick.

"We're making a concerted effort. They'll be able to see that effort and we're hoping for the positive response."

Frederick admits things will never be perfect but, "it's about constant evolution and transformation."

And he says having the diversity officer at work is part of that commitment.