Michigan State Police Looking To Hire Women

DETROIT (WWJ) - Michigan State Police are looking for women to join the department.

An informational recruiting seminar for potential female troopers is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia.

Why women, specifically?

"Well, I think you need to be a diverse organization to match the entire state of what our population is," MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw. "Roughly, about 10 percent of our department are women now. We'd like to increase that."

State police recruiters will be showing off many of the department's specialty units including K-9, special investigations, computer crimes and the gaming section.

Some of the minimum requirements include being at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen, having a high school diploma or G.E.D., "good moral character," and no felony convictions.

The starting salary at the beginning of the 21-week recruit school is $44,000 annually with a $7,800 raise upon the completion of one year.

"I think there is an old myth that women didn't belong in law enforcement, or that they weren't suited for it," Shaw said. "But I think it goes by an individual, not necessarily a gender."

Shaw said more than a dozen female troopers will be on hand at the event to answer any questions women may have about the job.

Those interested in attending should email Tpr. Marjorie Richardson at richardsonm2@michigan.gov. Please arrive by 9:45am.  The attire for this event is business casual.