Flemente graduated from Santa Clara University in 1998 with a major in psychology and a growing interest in forensic psychology. She says she thought about going to medical school and pursuing forensics, but wasn't sure she wanted to make the sacrifices necessary for five more years of school. I wanted to do something to start my career now. So Flemente did some research and found that, as a police officer, she could get involved in the field a lot quicker and take a job that would allow her more flexibility to be a mom. Vallecilla says the department has two testing cycles each year to select recruits for the five-month academies that happen twice a year.
Applicants receive a background check, a psychological evaluation and take a lie detector test.
Women must pass the same requirements as men, and if they fail at any of the physical requirements, they must reapply and begin the process all over again. After working with other women officers and attending the physical agility training the department provides for both male and female applicants, she was able to pass on her second try and was offered a spot in the academy in January. Recruits spend 5 months in training and must continue to meet physical requirements. Women and men are held to the same standards and learn the basics of policing and techniques for subduing belligerent suspects. Flemente and others point out that women do tend to have more limited physical strength than men and that can change how they approach the job.