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DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - DeKalb County Police are looking for some new recruits, and if you're a woman, even better. The Background and Recruitment Unit is holding is first hiring forum for women Tuesday.
Of the 700 sworn officers in the department only about 15 percent of them are women. Lt Lesa Robinson with the Background and Recruitment Unit said some females may believe they're not capable of doing job.
Lt. Robinson said that couldn't be farther from the truth. She said as a recruit she went through 26 weeks of intense training that prepared her for the streets.
"We do everything from defensive tactics, to shooting to driving to verbal judo," said Lt. Robinson.
Officer Kelley Hoyt has wanted to be a police officer since she was a little girl.
"I think being a police officer is one of the most honorable positions to have," said Officer Hoyt.
Officer Hoyt said she may not be as strong as some of her male counterparts, but she's never had an issue going up against a suspect who is a much larger man.
"I don't have a problem because I use my words, my words are more of a strength than my body size is," said Officer Hoyt.
She added that being a woman, often plays in her favor. She said when she arrives on scene, often the situation de-escalates.
"I've had people who open up to me about what they're dealing with because we're nurturing and they feel like we're safe," said Officer Hoyt.
There will be women from various units of the police department at the hiring forum to answer questions, including women from the Police Athletic League, gangs, narcotics, K-9, aerial, and bomb squad. It takes place Tuesday January 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the DeKalb Police Department, 1950 West Exchange Place, Suite 111, Tucker, GA 30084.
You must be at least 20 years old, with a valid driver's license, a high school diploma or GED, with no felony convictions and no domestic violence convictions.