Michigan State Police looking for a few good women

When it comes to fighting crime and keeping Michigan streets safe, Michigan State Police (MSP) want women to know law enforcement isn't just a man's job. Trooper Marjorie Richardson has been with the state police for over 25 years, and while many believe police work is purely physical, she says that's just one portion of the job. "You deal with people, you deal with conflict, it's conflict resolution," says Richardson. "It's helping other people, seeking justice on their behalf, working within your community. For people who really want meaningful work and want to make a difference, it's a good feeling." While Michigan State Police currently has the first female director in its history, women make up only about nine percent of the force. The MSP is holding an informational seminar on career opportunities for women this Saturday in the Detroit area. Details on that event, as well as information for women across the state, is available at Michigan.gov/MSP. A mother of three, Richardson says balancing a career in law enforcement with family offers the same challenges as most other professions. She says in her experience, men and women on the force are treated equally. "Whether you're a male or a female, if you can't withstand the physical and mental rigors of the academy, you're out. It's that simple," she says. "I think once you either go through it with someone, or know that you've all be through it, there's an instant respect and a knowledge you have the same training." Richardson adds that while the number of female troopers has grown from fewer than 50 in 1982 to roughly 170 today, there has been a decline in the number of female recruits in recent years. Recruits must successfully complete a 21-week training course at the MSP academy in Lansing, considered one of the most rigorous programs in the nation. Published: Fri, Jul 18, 2014