Immigration Holds Up Brooklyn Park Cadet’s Dream Officer Job
Liberian native Paul Clement is among the latest batch of Brooklyn Park police recruits. However, he will have to wait a little longer to put on a police badge while he waits for U.S. immigration officials to finish their work.
Clement’s story
Paul Clement was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and came to the United States in 1994. He has a wife and two young kids. Clement has always wanted to be a police officer.
“My dad was a police officer back home so that was the initial start,” he said.
Clement graduated with an associate’s degree in law enforcement from North Hennepin Community College and went through eight months of training.
“It’s not fun getting tased and pepper sprayed and there’s a lot of physical activity involved also,” Clement said.
However, he will not be sworn in to serve with Brooklyn Park police just yet. He’s currently waiting to complete the process to become a citizen.
“I’m waiting for my interview and once I take the interview, then after that process it’s that swearing in ceremony and then I become an official U.S. citizen,” explained Clement.
Reaching out to a diverse community
Clement hopes to make inroads with Brooklyn Park’s large Liberian population. Officials say it’s important to have a police force that mirrors the community.
“This was I think, the second most diverse swearing in we’ve had,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Craig Enevoldsen.
For now, Clement will continue his role as a cadet. He says he does not mind waiting a little while longer for his dream job to become a reality.
“It’s a great way to be involved in the community and pretty much make a difference,” said Clement.
