Episode 48: Role Models for Policing with Guests Rob Mewborn and Di’Nesha Rouse

Episode 48: Role Models for Policing with Guests Rob Mewborn and Di’Nesha Rouse

On our newest podcast episode, we welcome two officers from the police department in Kinston, NC: Rob Mewborn and Di’Nesha Rouse. You & Five-O has partnered with the Kinston PD for many years - they have a predominantly African American population, with a mostly white police department - because of their desire to improve community-police relations by spreading awareness and educating the community on how to safely interact with law enforcement.

After introducing themselves, Officers Mewborn and Rouse discuss the challenges of pursuing a career in law enforcement in the Black community. They talk about how there weren’t any Black role models as police officers when they were younger, and how the Black community tends to prioritize sports as a career over other paths. They also discuss how the opinions and attitudes of their family, friends, and community vilify becoming a police officer, and ideas they have for how to change that.

BJ highlights the importance of hiring from the local level - both Rouse and Mewborn were born and raised in Kinston - and the difference it makes as an officer when you’re connected with your community. Mewborn and Rouse also share their experiences as school resource officers - what they see on the ground level, working with youth, and the daily struggles they encounter. They approach their work with a mindset of being the change they want to see and actively explore ways to help young people succeed and stay out of trouble.

 

More about Di’Nesha Rouse:
Di’Nesha Rouse was hired by the Kinston Police Department in 2019. Prior to her service in Kinston, she attended college at Winston Salem State University, majoring in Criminal Justice. Officer Rouse started her career in law enforcement on the patrol division. Due to Officer Rouse’s involvement in and with the community, she has received awards ranging from Officer of the Month to Life Saving awards. Officer Rouse has furthered her knowledge by attending the Gang Resistance Education and Training program, located in Forsyth Georgia, in an effort to combat delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership for children/teens. Officer Rouse transitioned from patrol to working as the school resource officer for Rochelle Middle School in January 2023.

More about Rob Mewborn:
Officer Rob Mewborn is a lifetime resident of Kinston, NC - born in east Kinston and educated in the public school system. Officer Mewborn has served the citizens of Kinston for over 18 years, in many different capacities throughout the city. He started his career with the City of Kinston in 2004 and later transferred to the Police Division in 2010. After serving for a short while as a police officer, he returned to environmental services and worked for seven more years. In 2017 Officer Mewborn was asked by the former Chief of Police Alonzo Jaynes if he would be interested in returning to the Police Division and serving as Kinston High’s School Resource Officer, which he readily accepted. With over 15 years of experience dealing with young people, Officer Mewborn has managed to usher in a new wave of experience and make lasting relationships with the young students at KHS, as well as the community in which he serves. Officer Mewborn is a true example of community policing, and enjoys serving the students and citizens of Kinston NC.