OLA To Collaborate with Southampton Cops on Police Academy Screening

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Organizacion Latino-Americana of Eastern Long Island is set to work with Southampton Town Police to help screen Latino applicants for the civilian Police Academy, back again during winter, 2017 a release from OLA said.

OLA's Executive Director Minerva Perez will be leading the Latino portion of the training for all police personnel during the upcoming diversity training sessions, the release said.

The engagement is meant to build a bridge between police and the local Latino community, OLA representatives said.

"OLA’s leadership recognizes the importance of building trust and communication among our Latino community members with local law enforcement," the release said.

The civilian academy training will offer community members who meet eligibility, age, and commitment requirements" important insight into the processes and skills employed by our women and men in the Southampton Town Police Department," the release stated.

As in years' past, members of the 12-week long intensive training will also learn the challenges and dangers police officers face as they work to protect residents.

"Latino members of Southampton Town are eager to contribute to a positive dialogue with law enforcement and this training will allow the insight and perspective needed to deepen and, in many cases, to begin that dialogue," the release said.

“I look forward to interacting in this capacity with our police department again. The domestic violence training that I did a couple of years ago was a great experience," Perez said.

Patch file photo.