The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has ditched its physical ability test and implemented lactation rooms as part of a greater effort to bring on more female police officers.
“It’s a male-dominated profession, so women are afraid to take that step, maybe thinking that they’re not able to do it, but you can do it if you have that right mindset,” one police trainee said in a now-viral video by WSMV4.
Hiring a 30% female police force is a goal of the department, and Commander Tiffany Gibson, the first female director of training, said she believes that mark is attainable due to changes made to attract female recruits.
BREAKING: Nashville Police Department drops ability test requirement in order to increase its female force from 13% to 30%
MNPD will also allow more flexible working schedules in addition to the preexisting maternity leave and sick days
Director Tiffany Gibson is the first… pic.twitter.com/xAWrWzq4lY
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The department no longer requires a physical ability test, and it instead grades its trainees’ agility in a test designed to mirror tasks they may encounter in the field.
Lactation rooms for nursing mothers and flexible schedules have also been implemented.
“We’re trying to get going … possibly help sponsor our own child facility,” Gibson said. “I think that would be really helpful for females.”
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One current female officer said she hopes the new changes will lead to more female officers in patrol cars.
“More qualified and strong women to be in this police department and be leaders in this police department. I mean, I think it would be a great thing to see,” she said.