"Taking an active role:" Milwaukee police swear in 15 new ambassadors

MILWAUKEE -- They're trying to strengthen community partnerships in Milwaukee. A group of young people joined the ranks of the Milwaukee Police Department as ambassadors.

On Thursday, May 19th, 15 young people were in their best baby blues at the Milwaukee Police Academy to take a particular pledge -- and they were applauded as ambassadors.

"It feels not overwhelming -- but thrilling. Very thrilling," said Milwaukee Police Ambassador Neenah Velazquez.

"We're taking an active role in leadership development at the community level among young people with potential," said Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn.

Chief Flynn says the ambassador program has the young folks spending six months working at district stations, receiving leadership training from academy instructors and being engaged in community events.

"Our job, as we see it, is to give them a set of skills, give them a set of experiences, give them a resume and give them some references and an understanding of an important, civic institution," said Flynn.

Flynn explains, all of those in the 2015 graduating ambassador class are currently gainfully employed and he expects the same from this -- the second class of ambassadors.

"I'm hoping after this I can actually apply to the academy," said Marquita Hale.

For now, Hale will start as an ambassador.

"Our young people see and watch the media -- everything bad about it and I can show them the police department is not bad at all," said Hale.

The ambassador program lasts six months working and involves a commitment of 24 hours per week.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the MPD Ambassador Program.