At the age of 10, he dreamt of becoming a police officer. On March 1, 2019, at Edmonton City Hall, he takes command from his commanding officer in a beautifully choreographed police match.
In an elegant blue jacket over a black pair of trousers designed with bright red stripes on the sides, anchored to the floor in a pair of mirror-polished pair of black shoes, Constable Mwanji Kanyinda, of Congolese descent, joined 20 other highly educated new officers to swear into the Edmonton Police Service.
With an aspiration to join a police service with serving the community at its core, Constable Mwanji Kanyinda was convinced that Edmonton Police Service (EPS) was his employer of choice when EPS Recruitment team came calling at an information session when he attended the University of Winnipeg. He joined Constable Jason Choi, Constable Alex Liu, Constable Mallory Cawthra, Constable Joanna Pecush, and 15 others, supported by their friends and family to listened to advise from dignitaries present at their graduation ceremony about the danger of the job of a police officer, the support available should they need help, and the responsibility that comes with so much power given to police officer.
“…with great power, comes great responsibilities. Graduates, I wish you the very best…,”MLA David Shepherd led the speech part of the ceremony.
“…you will suffer mental health challenges. Do not see it as a sign of weakness…EPS has help. Seeking help is not a weakness…,” Councillor Scott MacKeen followed.
“…Treat everyone with dignity and respect…,” Edmonton Police Commission Chair Tim O’Brien summarized the need for officers to respect the rights of every Edmontonian. Just fresh from hiring a new Police Chief, Tim made way for his new hire on the podium who shared his optimism for the EPS with the graduating officers. “…the future of Edmonton Police looks very bright…God bless,” New Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee concluded.
