YPD is looking to add more women to their force

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is the only police department in the Desert Southwest with a female police chief and deputy chief.

Now they are looking to hire more women to join their force. Right now YPD only has 20 women that took the oath to serve and protect the city out of 178. That’s only 11 percent of the force.

Of the 20 women that are sworn to serve and protect is Sergeant Stephanie Malone.

“I’m a patrol sergeant,” explained Sgt. Malone.

It took 18 years of dedication to the department serving in several different roles, including the K9 unit.

Traditionally men have dominated the police force with only 12 percent of women making up the entire local police force nationwide, according to U.S Department of Justice.

The Yuma Police Department is looking to fight that statistic and get more females in their application pool.

“10 years ago there was an increase in female officers, but like I said that’s peaked,” explained Deputy Chief Lisa Culp.

Deputy Chief Lisa Culp is looking for more women to apply as she did 24 years ago.

“This is a great job that can be accomplished by women. Not only accomplished, but they can excel at it,” explained Deputy Chief Culp.

As far as if they think there is a difference in treatment between the male and female officers.

“I haven’t been treated any differently,” said Sgt. Malone.

The application period ends on December 20. If you turn 20 years old before then, you can apply.