Connecting with law enforcement

With everything going on in the country right now relating to police and their relationship with African-Americans, it may have been surprising that law enforcement recruiters were a major presence at the Claflin Career Fest on Sept. 22.

Of note, the majority of those in law enforcement at the HBCU event were either of African-American descent or a minority.

“I expected a decent turnout despite everything that has been going on,” an African-American Orangeburg police officer said. “You don’t see a lot of police officers that look like us, and who better to change the situation than us.”

More than 30 businesses were gathered for Claflin’s Career Fest -- and about 10 were law enforcement. Those presenting career information to students included the Durham, N.C., Police Department, FBI, Greenville Police Department, Greenville County Sheriff’s Department, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department in Charlotte, N.C., South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety.

 Racial tension, riots, marches and even protests are going on all across the nation over police violence against African-Americans.

“I joined because I wanted to make a difference,” a Mecklenburg County detention officer said. “I started off working in the courthouse but my ultimate goal was to work for law enforcement.”

She said she attended an HBCU, so she feels personally connected in coming out and meeting with students at Claflin and other HBCUs.

Another Orangeburg police officer said in order to find out what the truth is when it comes to law enforcement, students should ask questions.

“Be the change you wish to see. If you see us [African-Americans] out here, then you can see the change. That’s why I joined,” he said.