Representatives of the Orlando Police Department discussed career opportunities for women in law enforcement during an intimate breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 15.

“As a progressive agency, we like to mirror the demographics of our community, and so women make up about little over 50 percent of the community here in Florida, and we’re very low as far as women coming into law enforcement,” Sergeant Frank Chisari said as he addressed the crowd.

Background investigator Daisy Lajas sympathizes Chisari’s sentiments about the lack of women in law enforcement, which is one of the main reasons she wanted to talk with UCF students.

Officer Beasley speaks to the all-female group of students about balancing life as a mother, teacher and officer. (Photo by Marissa Mahoney.)
Officer Beasley speaks to the all-female group of students about balancing life as a mother, teacher and officer. (Photo by Marissa Mahoney.)

“I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing, but we are short [of] women, so we are trying to reach out to women, let them know what the career is about, and let them know that they can have a fulfilling career and have a family,” Lajas said.

The officers also discussed the process of becoming a police officer in Orlando, and four women involved in various departments at OPD offered their personal experiences as a woman treading through the system.

During the breakfast portion of the event, the female attendees had the opportunity to talk with the officers one-on-one.

Junior Shandreana Sanders came to the breakfast to inquire about employment opportunities other than being a police officer at OPD.

“I’m a finance and accounting major and the Orlando Police Department is a good police department, but if they have anything other than just being a police officer– maybe that would use my skill set in finance,” Sanders said.

Corporal Mathew Fleury, Sergeant Frank Chisari and Officer Kate Beasley shared stories about their collective experience serving at the Orlando Police Department. The topics ranged from recruitment to pension plans. (Photo by Marissa Mahoney.)
Corporal Mathew Fleury, Sergeant Frank Chisari and Officer Kate Beasley shared stories about their collective experience serving at the Orlando Police Department. The topics ranged from recruitment to pension plans. (Photo by Marissa Mahoney.)

Besides talking students through the recruitment process, the officers also provided information regarding the many benefits attached to working for OPD including pension plans and yearly salary increases.