DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department held a women’s policing forum in hopes of recruiting more women to join the force.

The event took place at the Des Moines Regional Police Academy, located at 433 East Army Post Road in Des Moines. Starting at 9 a.m., they provided demonstrations and training advice for people interested in joined the police department.

Sgt. Jennifer Grose, with the Des Moines Police Department, says that events like these are important because they help get people interested in police work while giving them advice and helping them prepare for the academy.

“We just want to get that information out there, and I feel like sometimes people are a little bit intimidated to just go up to a police officer and ask them questions about their job. So, this gives them an open door feel, come out and ask questions, very low key, so we can answer any questions,” said Grose.

The presenters focused on helping women prepare for the job physically and educationally. Applicants will need to pass the COOPER physical fitness test, know defensive tactics, and learn other skills to determine their fitness for the position. The forum provides a place for officers to advise on the best training tactics and what it takes to succeed in the force.

Grose thinks a large reason so few women go into the police force is because of the stereotype that women are soft and gentle and don’t do jobs that require lots of physical exertion. She also says it can be hard to be surrounded with so many men and not feel supported.

“Just to break though that and I think the more information they get from this forum and the more questions they are able to ask will basically reduce that anxiety,” said Grose. “So, they can really see if this job and career is for them.”

To learn more about recruiting within the Des Moines Police Department call 515-557-0446 or email DMPDRecruiting@dmgov.org.