Creating a more diversified police force in this province will go a long way towards helping members of the black community feel included and welcome.

That’s from Somkene Mbakwe, the President of the Nigerian-Canadian Association in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Last week, the RCMP officially launched its Black Engagement Steering Committee, one of the main focuses of which is the recruitment of black police officers.

Mbakwe sits on the committee and says he is “elated” with what they have achieved so far, noting that members of the community have relayed the information and have been very excited about the developments.

He says the force needs good representation of the people they serve.

Mbakwe says it would be very encouraging to him to have a black officer relate and interact with him. He continues that it helps people feel more included in the community, and inspires others to pursue careers in law enforcement.