‘Women in Public Safety’ celebrated in Wilkes

INCLUDES ACTIVITIES VIDEO | Discover why and when female representatives from 19 law-enforcement-related agencies gathered for an event in outer East Portland, at the Portland Police Bureau Training Facility …

In the main meeting room of the Portland Police Bureau’s Training Complex, located in the Wilkes neighborhood, the 4th annual Women in Public Safety celebration introduces females to the career opportunity of serving in law enforcement.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

On March 8th – a Saturday when the Portland Police Bureau Training Complex would otherwise be closed – the place was teeming with activity. It was the 4th annual Women in Public Safety celebration, getting underway.

See all the activity at this unique event in our video:

In the main training room were representatives from: Portland Police Bureau (PPB), Bureau of Emergency Communications, Gresham Police, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Portland State University Police, Lake Oswego Police Department, West Linn Police, Milwaukie Police, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon City Police, Tigard Police, Hillsboro Police, Beaverton Police, Eugene Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Cresa 911, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Jail and Camas Police.

The organizer, PPB Central Precinct Sergeant Joana Buck, smiles as the event is successfully underway.

“This actually started in 2017, not long after a 4-year-old girl had found that the only Hallowe’en police officer costumes she could find were labeled ‘for boys’ – meaning that girls couldn’t be officers,” explained PPB Central Precinct Sergeant Joana Buck.

“Some officers met with her, took a photo, tagged ‘Girl Cops are Awesome’ – and it went viral, nationwide,” Sgt. Buck told East Portland News. “Starting last year, we decided to highlight all the accomplishments and bravery [of our female officers; and show] how far women have come in law enforcement over the years!”

City of Hillsboro School Resource Officer Megan Linn talks with a guest at gathering.

“In addition, this is also a recruiting opportunity, where we’re encouraging females to become involved in public safety, as a career, here at this community event,” said Sgt. Buck.

After visitors met with agency representatives, and took a selfie if they wished, they were able to tour the facility’s “Scenario Village”, where officers are trained in realistic settings.

Part of the Milwaukie Police Department is Kathryn Meyer, whose partner is canine Flora — an ‘electronic storage detection’ dog. The pooch is half lab, half golden retriever.

“We hope what will come out of this is that we can inspire women to apply to this field, look into this as a career,” Sgt. Buck stated. “When they come here, females can see people that look like them, and inspire them to come and join us in our work, and actively give back to the community in the role of a police officer.”

In the facility’s break room, these officers ask of us, “Please include our recruitment page web address” (see below!)

To apply to the Portland Police Bureau, in particular – or for more information about recruitment efforts – visit their official website: CLICK HERE.

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