In response to the column "Students Must Unite to Fight Hate" published April 2 by Tyra Moore and Doug Taylor, I write to address a statement that UNC-CH police officers are not trained to deal with the diverse community we serve. That particular statement was included without factual background to support it.
In 1999, the Department of Public Safety instituted an annual in-service training program to ensure that our personnel are properly trained to handle their duties. As a part of the first session we conducted, each member of the department received eight hours of cultural diversity training taught by the N.C. Human Relations Commission. This training included not only police officers but every employee including parking and transportation personnel. In 2000, our police officers received an additional two hours of sensitivity training during in-service and will receive more hours again this year and annual updates in the future.
In addition, our next group of new officers will attend a cultural diversity training class as a part of their department orientation program as they begin their careers at UNC-CH. I felt this type of training was important in 1998 when I arrived at UNC-CH and continue to feel it is vital today. I am also told that the department conducted cultural diversity training in September 1994 and April 1996 prior to my arrival as police chief.
Cultural diversity and sensitivity training is crucial for the professional law enforcement officer. Our department recognizes this and is committed to continuing to provide this training on an ongoing basis. To indicate that we are not training in these areas is inappropriate and without factual basis and unfair to the women and men of this nationally accredited department who strive daily to provide professional and ethical services to this diverse community called "Carolina" that we all care so for.
Chief Derek K. Poarch
Director of Public Safety
