Windsor Police veteran takes new, historic position

By Aaron Sanders

The Windsor Police Service made history with a new position.

 

On Feb. 29, Sgt. Wren Dosant was introduced as the city’s Diversity, Inclusion and Recruitment Outreach officer. He is the first person in Windsor to hold this title. At a press conference at Willistead Manor Dosant said with this position, he is a pioneer and does not feel any pressure.

 

“Coming in, I don’t have to worry about replacing those who were before me because I’m the first,” said Dosant.

 

Police chief Al Frederick said the department is glad a diverse, savvy person like Dosant took on a historic challenge.

 

“We’re looking forward to it and we absolutely found a gem in Dosant,” Frederick said. “He exudes everything we want our police officers to be. He’s professional, respectable, incredibly enthusiastic and we think he’s going to do a great job.”

 

Dosant has been with Windsor Police for 26 years and said diversity plays a large role in the community and the police force.

 

“Diversity brings so many things to the picture,” said Dosant. “If you have a diverse police service, it can help with investigations. It can help people who want to report crimes, making them feel more comfortable. In any report you read, police have to be more reflective of their community.”

 

Windsor-Essex is the fourth most diverse community in the nation and Frederick said he believes the city can gain more attention under Dosant’s direction.

 

“One of our biggest challenges has been attracting folks from diverse communities to come and apply,” Frederick said. “We’re hoping, with him as the face of the organization for recruitment, drives and outreach that we’re able to change that. We strongly believe he’s built relationships already that are going to bear fruit for us.”

 

With the position effective immediately, Dosant says he and the department look forward to using this new position to tighten their work around the city.
“We don’t want any blowups that are happening across the border in the United States,” said Dosant. “In order to do that we have to be proactive, be reflective of our community and that’s part of why this position was incorporated and announced here.”

 

(WINDSOR, Ont. (29/02/16) : Windsor Police first and new Diversity, Inclusion and Recruitment Outreach Officer Sgt. Wren Dosant addresses a crowd at the Willistead Manor in Windsor, Ont. on Monday, Feb. 29,2016. Photo by Aaron Sanders.