King County police agencies are encouraging people from diverse communities to consider joining the police force through their second Diversity in Law Enforcement Workshop.
The Auburn, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Port of Seattle, Renton and Tukwila police departments are teaming up to host the free workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2. The workshop includes lunch and an opportunity to learn more about what it’s like to work in law enforcement. The registration deadline is Oct. 27, and people can apply at rentonwa.gov/valleypolicecareers.
In addition to the information, participants who want to continue down the path of becoming police officers will receive free public safety testing practice tests, a free study guide, and a test fee waiver for the seven agencies sponsoring the event, said Stephanie Hynes, Renton Police Department communications and community engagement coordinator, who is coordinating the event.
Hynes described this event as a workshop that will address real and perceived barriers for those entering a career in law enforcement. The workshop will include opportunities to connect with officers from all seven agencies, and there will be an opportunity to network at the end of the workshop, Hynes said.
At the breakout sessions, Hynes said attendees will learn about navigating the hiring process, background investigations, testing, training, officer wellness and have the chance to ask questions. They will also hear personal stories about why individuals choose this career, she said.
“When we first did it, we had some amazing stories from officers that came from different backgrounds. I felt like with every speaker we had, someone could be like, ‘Oh, that’s neat, oh I could relate with that person.’ They all had these great unique stories,” Hynes said. “So, for someone to be able to see themself in that person to feel that connection, that shows this is a job that’s obtainable. We had great feedback the first time we did it. People were appreciative and learned a lot.”
Hynes said this opportunity is open to all and nobody will be turned away. Rather, this is an opportunity to reach people from communities with fewer police officers. She said people from these diverse communities have the qualities needed to be police officers, but might not have thought of applying because it’s not something that’s crossed their mind or a career path they’ve seen exemplified around them.
“This workshop also offers an opportunity for seven Valley law enforcement agencies to dispel common misconceptions about the hiring process, police culture, particularly regarding the employment of women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals,” Hynes said. “It serves as a chance to demonstrate that law enforcement welcomes people from all backgrounds, not only in terms of appearance, but also in thought and lived experiences.”
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