SPRINGDALE, AR (KNWA) – The Springdale Police Department is welcoming the second Marshallese officer in its history.
Sunday was Officer Robert Aini’s first day on the streets after training since February.
He says language and lifestyle barriers often keep the Marshallese at a distance from law enforcement, but he hopes to change that.
“A lot of Marshallese came here and they really have a hard time learning the language, that’s for one. And I think I’ll be very, very helpful to a lot of them,” he says.
According to the U.S. Census, more than 4,000 Marshallese live in Northwest Arkansas, making it home to the second largest population of Marshallese in the United States.
Aini says he understands the importance of his hire, but also says he’s devoted to serving the entire community while on the force.
