450 members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office are in the process of completing diversity training for the first time in over 10 years.
While a recent incident involving officers sending racist texts was a catalyst for the program, Sheriff Phil Plummer called the training long overdue.
“You know we need to respect each other before we go out, and respect the public," he said.
Plummer cites low minority numbers on the force as one reason for the need for diversity training.
The sheriff made the eight-hour session mandatory for all employees. There are also 75 open spots for other law enforcement agencies and community leaders.
The training lasts four weeks.