WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Law enforcement have developed a stigma associated with violence and racism in today's climate, but the next generation of police officers say they are working extra hard to break this stigma.

Gregorio Rivas, 21, is from the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States in 2011.

Rivas says his ultimate goal is to make sure his community is safe. He also wants to represent and be a voice for the Hispanic community.

He says he wants to be a part of the change and break the stigma associated with the people who work hard to keep the community safe.

“I think it bothers each and every one of us a little bit, but that just makes it that much more worth it for us to make sure we're better and that we do the things that were supposed to do,” Rivas explains.

Training Sgt. Sammy Langdon says the police academy is all about training the recruits to serve their community in the best and safest way possible.

“I just find it incredible that these young men and women meet that call, and they meet these challenges, and they put themselves through the struggles they do just to be able to help people,” Langdon says.

Langdon adds he hasn't seen a change in the number of police officer recruits due to the pandemic or other external factors.