College student, cadet program leads Latina one step closer to being CMPD officer

It’s been four years of working and studying. On Monday, a young woman will begin her long-awaited journey at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy.

It’s been a long journey for Dayanna Riera, whose family immigrated from Ecuador. She is a first-generation U.S. citizen and will be the first in her family to graduate from college.

“Finally, after studying four years of college I can start. I know it won’t be easy because the Academy is not easy, but I know I will succeed because the officers there will help me every step of the way,” Riera said.

She recently completed the CMPD cadet program and was president of her class.

“About six months into the program, they assigned me to be president of the cadet group. This was an honor for me because I had not been there very long and I was given the opportunity to lead the group,” she said.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Cadet Program provides qualified students actively enrolled in a local college an opportunity to work in a professional law enforcement environment while learning about and training for future employment as a CMPD officer.

As a cadet, Riera worked with CMPD’s community outreach program, which promotes cooperation between community residents by identifying problems, creating strategies and implementing solutions.

Being bilingual, she was instrumental to those whose barriers include language and cultural understanding.

Riera is a criminal justice major at Pfeiffer University and is on track to graduate in the spring of 2022.

As the Hispanic population grows in Charlotte, Riera believes there is a great need for the evolution of the police department to include Spanish-speaking employees and to diversify its workforce.

“Many times officers respond to calls from people who may be going through one of the worst days of their lives, and to have someone who understands the language come and help creates a bond of trust between the community and the police department,” she said.

Right now, fewer than 6% of CMPD officers are Latino. But Latino representation is improving. Riera’s academy class will have seven Latinos enrolled in a class of 40 trainees.

The push for integration and inclusion continues in Latino police organizations, and it’s still seen as a way to help ease racial bias in policing, along with building trust with Hispanic communities.

“Being able to understand the language and culture can help build trust,” she said.

As Riera takes one step closer to wearing the badge of an officer, there is no doubt that her enthusiasm for protecting the community is top of mind.

“I am very, very excited. Finally, after studying four years of college I can start. I know it won’t be easy because the Academy is not easy, but I know I will succeed because the officers there will help me every step of the way. It will be exciting,” Riera said.

If you have an inspiring story, please contact Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte Public Affairs Manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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