Edmonton police hoping more diversity on force will enhance community engagement
New Edmonton police recruits are bringing diverse backgrounds, skills and experience to the force – and EPS hopes that will enhance community engagement.
The first recruit training class of 2023 celebrated graduation Friday.
The future officers have backgrounds in nine different countries outside Canada. They are fluent in 14 languages other than English.
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One of those recruits, Ronald Igealea Nyikabe, told CityNews he was excited for the next part of his training.
Nyikabe, a former construction worker, wants to provide support to Edmonton’s youth while breaking down barriers between police and the community.
“One of my first experiences with law enforcement was one of fear,” he recounted. “I remember sitting in the car, shaking, worried what was going to happen next and I didn’t want that same feeling to be something that my kids go through and a lot of youth that I work with in the community, same thing.”
Edmonton police recruit Ronald Igealea Nyikabe at graduation on Feb. 10, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Elliott Knopp)
Staff Sgt. Leanne Kilb says differences within the class go beyond appearances, adding the diversity of thought further elevates their ability to serve the community.
“To be successful here, you have to look at the bigger picture of ‘we’re not here to judge on how you got here, we’re here to help people on their worst day,'” said Kilb.
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Now that school’s out, 120 new recruits are set to join EPS training classes, with another 20 Canadian officers taking experienced officer courses.
EPS saw a slight drop in applications over the pandemic, which the force hopes to overcome by increasing class sizes and making opportunities more accessible.
“We want everybody, right?” added Kilb. “We want people to make sure that if they choose this career, it’s going to be for them.”
The application process is expected to take between two to four months, followed by the 27-week training program.
