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St. Louis rolls out police diversity effort

Scott Davidson
/
Flickr

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The city of St. Louis is looking to boost minority recruiting efforts in its police and fire departments.

Mayor Francis Slay and Chief Sam Dotson joined other city officials Tuesday at City Hall to announce details about the new effort, which will enlist off-duty members of the Ethical Society of Police to work as paid mentors to prospective recruits. The society's 250 members represent black officers in the city.

The local NAACP chapter will also participate in a program to increase minority hiring for city firefighters and jail guards as well as police officers and other public safety jobs.

The 10-week course will cover report writing and interview skills, fitness, professional etiquette and community-oriented policing strategies. Participants will also get help applying to the city's police academy.

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