Letters to the Editor - 11 2009 Rethinking Hmong cops - Rethinking Hmong cops

    In regards to the "Northside needs more Hmong cops" article in the last Camden News: With all due respect to the Minneapolis Hmong community, and more specifically to the Northside, the issue with regards to a representative police officer ought not be predicated upon race, culture or ethnicity. It should matter little whether an officer, or a worker in any sector, is of a particular race but more importantly that they are well qualified to meet the requirements of their job. Were you to take your automobile in for service, I am inclined to believe it would be preferable to have someone well versed in auto mechanic repair than it would be to have someone who is Hmong, African American, etc. What is more, the City has shown its appreciation, if not dedication, to the Hmong community, most notably with the Hmong International Academy previously housed in the now defunct Jordan Park School. Additionally, according to the article the Northside is currently represented (albeit in the evening hours) by two Hmong officers.

    And so the issue becomes, not one of under representation but rather one of inconvenience. Bridging the language barrier or the cultural barrier between the Hmong community and the MPD can be significantly accomplished at present by way of its leaders and individuals serving as liaisons/interpreters with the resources that are currently available to them instead of flexing their collective muscle to see that one of their own has a potential job on the force.