Peabody Police Reserves adds 2 women to dept.

PEABODY – Two more women were added to the Peabody Police Reserves Thursday afternoon.City Clerk Tim Spanos swore in Joyce Moulton, 27, and Kristen Mavroules, 29, at City Hall after both Mayor Michael Bonfanti and Police Chief Robert Champagne spoke in their honor.Bonfanti welcomed the women to the “proud tradition” of the Peabody Police Department. He referred to Moulton and Mavroules as “top notch” and “top shelf,” like the rest of the officers they’ll be joining forces with.”These are the people you’re going to back up,” said Bonfanti, acknowledging the several active police officers who showed their support in Wiggin Auditorium. “Loyalty to your fellow officers is essential?”Chief Champagne spoke on behalf of the police department, who he said was in full support of adding two female officers.”This is a testimony to their hard work and perseverance,” Champagne said. “We’re pleased to bring some talent here.”Several friends and family members sat in the audience, snapping pictures as the women took the oath, making everything official.Moulton, who currently works in the restaurant business, is new to the Peabody Police Department. She took to the podium first and thanked everyone for their support and positive influence. Moulton said she’s worked hard to get to this point and promised to continue to work even harder.Mavroules, who has worked as a police dispatcher in Peabody for the past six years, thanked her friends and co-workers, whom she referred to as her second family.The officers are both Peabody natives and graduates of Salem State College. Moulton said she’s always known and looked up to a lot of people in law enforcement, which influenced her decision to join.Mavroules was practically born in an officer’s uniform. She said she comes from a long line of family members in public service.Both women aren’t nervous to put on their blues when that day comes. In fact, they’re excited.”I’m looking forward to becoming a stronger person,” said Moulton.”I’m looking forward to giving back to the community and moving forward in my career,” said Mavroules.The two women might have to wait a while before the call of duty is truly upon them. Champagne said that it typically takes three to four years before an officer from the reserves becomes a “regular” officer. Because there are more reserves than there are open positions, it takes some time before they’re picked from the waiting pool.Mavroules is one step closer, having already finished the Reserve Academy in Reading. Moulton is scheduled for training at the academy this February.As for what Champagne personally thinks about hiring two women, he said he couldn’t be happier.”There’s a great demand for women in this business to serve as role models,” he said, adding that more and more women are committing crimes today and female officers are needed to investigate those crimes. As of now, Peabody only has three full-time female officers and four female reserves.”We’re trying to encourage females to get into the force,” said Bonfanti. He too, noted the increase of females committing crimes, which he said makes it all the more practical to have female officers there to pat them down.In cases of domestic violence involving a man and a women, “It’d be nice to have two officers go in there,” Bonfanti said.But, when it really comes to down to it, said Bonfanti, there really isn’t a difference between male and female officers. “When you put on that uniform, there’s no difference. You’re all policemen.”