BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont police officials say female officers are making a big difference in Beaumont as they bring a "unique perspective" to cases, especially those involving domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse.
One Beaumont police officer was able to find her calling while attending Texas State University.
Beaumont police currently have 31 women serving in positions that include patrol officers, detectives and community relations.
Officer Sidney Gomez, 28, says she became interested in becoming a police officer after hearing her criminal justice professors tell stories about their days on the force.
Officer S. Gomez is now wearing the badge and playing an important role on the force.
"It's always busy and you'll never be bored here," said Officer Gomez.
Officer Gomez has been serving and protecting the streets of Beaumont for over four years and she currently works the night shift.
"We'll log into our computers, which we call MCT's and get all this started up, turn on our radios which is down here, check our lights," said Officer Gomez.
After signing on for duty, she's ready to start serving and protecting the community. As an officer, she never knows who she will come in contact with.
"You may have someone who wants to take advantage of you because you are smaller," she said. "You are a female."
As one of the 31 female officers on the Beaumont police force, she also wields a special power.
" A lot of times, a lot of females will be a little bit happier to see a female on scene, especially when it does come to domestic violence," she said. "And I see it a lot with sexual assault."
Beaumont police public information Officer Haley Morrow has been with the department for 10 years.
"Studies show that women are a little bit more calm, cool and collected. When it comes to de-escalation, females can bring a peaceful resolution sometimes quicker," said Officer Morrow.
Officer Morrow says female officers not only create a calmer environment, but also help fill the shortage of officers.
"I believe Beaumont PD is appealing to female officers because we already have a lot of female officers. We often hear that we need more police officers here," she said. "Well, we need to fill the positions that we have open. Currently we have 12 vacancies."
Officer Gomez shared a positive message to girls and women who may be thinking about joining the police force.
"It is a calling and it has to be something you're passionate about," she said. "It just can't be about a paycheck."
Officer Morrow says there is always at least one female officer on duty each day.
When there's a female in custody who needs to be searched, a female officer is always called to do the job.
To find out how you can become a Beaumont police officer, male or female, visit here.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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