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Grand Rapids Police Department attempting to increase gender diversity at open house event

Courtesy Grand Rapids Police Department Twitter

Grand Rapids Police Department is working to recruit more female officers to the field.

The department is holding a Women’s Summit Open House on Saturday, May 22, at the masonic temple parking garage as an opportunity to learn more about the job and ask questions.

Grand Rapids Police Department says women considering a career in law enforcement often have unique questions and concerns. Those are things the department is looking to answer during its Women’s Summit Open House, aimed at encouraging more women to enter the field.

Female officers, supervisors, and command staff from different units will be on hand to discuss their backgrounds, current assignments, and experiences with the GRPD. Lieutenant Maureen O’Brien, one of the event organizers said she hopes to show women the various roles there are in law enforcement.

“It’s getting the message out that this is a viable career for women," O'Brien said. "We often are amazing multitaskers and have excellent interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities that are needed.…it really is an opportunity for us also to have women come out and feel comfortable asking questions if there is interest".

O'Brien has been with the Grand Rapids Police Department for 29 years. The Lieutenant says it's a career that she'd recommend.