Tucson Standard

The Tucson Police Department (TPD) on April 9 worked to recruit more women to the force in their largest-ever female recruiting event.

Monica Prieto, the only female assistant chief at the TPD, said only 15% of the department's personnel are women, but TPD wants to double that number by 2030, according to KGUN 9.

"Women think this job is extremely physical, when in fact we already have the skills to do the job," Prieto said. "A lot of it is just being empathetic, being an empathetic listener, being a problem solver, and just having this passion for service."

Prieto told KGUN 9 that while attending college, she witnessed women on the police force that she could relate to, and decided to pursue becoming an officer.

"Next thing I know, I have 23 years in the department," Prieto said.

KGUN 9 reported that dozens of women attended the event.

"It's really important to be able to see other people accomplishing their dreams, so that way you can reflect on yours and say, 'Okay, I can do it as well,'" Michelle Perez, a potential recruit, said.

Female officers from the K9, Hostage, Crime Scene, and Detective departments were present at the event for attendees to network with, according to KGUN 9.

"I’ve been here for 10 minutes and I’ve seen women in their uniforms, and it's extremely motivating," Arlene Olguin, another potential recruit, said.

TPD’s competitive pay and benefits, such as six weeks of parental leave and student loan repayment, were discussed at the event, KGUN 9 reported.

"It's closing stereotypes and it’s very inspiring because it shows that not just males can do it, but we can too. And we can probably do it a little better," Perez said, according to KGUN 9.