FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP): Police leaders in Fort Wayne say they are seeking more Spanish-speaking officers and need the community’s help to attract young people into law enforcement.

Fort Wayne Police Department officers underscored that message at a town hall meeting Wednesday sponsored by the Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana.

The Journal Gazette reports that Public Safety Director Rusty York introduced himself first in Spanish at the forum. That garnered applause from the crowd of about 100.

Max Montesino of the Hispanic Leadership Coalition. says the group encourages open communication between the community and police and the town hall meeting is part of that effort. Montesino estimates 20 to 25 officers speak Spanish.