Clarksville Police Dept. makes history with its latest hire

CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- It is a historic move for a southern Indiana police department.

Demetrius Latham's lifelong dream has always been to serve and protect his community.

"I think I was like 5 or 6," Latham said. "I always wanted to be a SWAT officer; over time that has kind of changed and I'd actually like to be a homicide detective."

While filling out paperwork for the Clarksville Police Department, Latham was well aware that his dream was becoming reality -- and he is making history.

"It really does feel good to be part of that change, to be with this department at this point in time, especially in my life, just finishing up graduate school," Latham said.

The history of the Clarksville Police Department dates back to the late 1800s. A plaque bears the names of past and current officers, but since the beginning there have been no officers of color -- until now.

"I think it definitely shows that Clarksville has moved forward," said Clarksville Police Chief Mark Palmer.

Palmer hired Latham and says both he and the community have questioned why it didn't happen a long time ago.

He says in his 26 years with the department he has been asked many times "why don't you have any African American officers?"

While on the streets, Palmer's hands were tied, but as chief, he has made it his mission to improve the look and image of the department.

"Demetrius is a great officer anyway," Palmer said.

Palmer also said Latham was hired because of his credentials and not just the color of his skin. "He is somebody who has earned his position and for that to be the bonus of him setting a historical moment for the department, that's just icing on the cake."

And Latham said it is also the start of a long career in law enforcement. He says his "ultimate goal is to actually become the chief of police of a department, I am actually going to begin working on my doctorate next year, after the academy so long-term, that's what I'm doing."

Latham will be sworn in Monday, and then it's off to the police academy in Indianapolis.