Before and After: Locker Room Renovation Improves Morale for Police Officers

Rhea-AI Summary

Marathon Petroleum Corporation has provided financial support to the Melvindale Police Department in Michigan for the renovation of its women's locker room. Previously housed in a small restroom, the upgraded facility now features five large lockers, modern vanity, and enhanced lighting, offering a functional space for female officers. This project aims to improve recruitment and retention of women in the police force, addressing the inadequacies of the original design created decades ago. The initiative has received positive feedback from the officers, highlighting the importance of an inclusive environment for current and future law enforcement personnel.

Positive

• Grant and design support from Marathon Petroleum improved women's locker room at Melvindale Police Department.
• Renovation enhanced recruitment and retention of female officers.
• New facilities exceed expectations of police officers, promoting inclusivity.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 29, 2023 / Marathon Petroleum Corporation:

• The Melvindale Police Department near Detroit, Michigan, knew it needed to upgrade its women's locker room that was housed in a small, single-stall bathroom, but it didn't have the funds for a renovation project.
• Marathon Petroleum's Detroit refinery provided a grant and design support from its Women's employee network members to create a sufficient space for the three women police officers and future additions to the department.
• The renovation resulted in a safer and more functional locker room that exceeded the officers' expectations.

Police Corporal Jessica Winward recalls getting ready for her shift in the small women's restroom in the Melvindale Police Department in Michigan. She would hang her bullet-proof vest on the shower door, reach over the toilet to get to her locker, and use the toilet as a seat to put on her boots.

"The station was built long before women were commonplace in police work, so the building itself was not designed with double locker rooms for men and women," said Corporal Winward. "No one could possibly have been able to anticipate the need for women's facilities five decades ago."

Police Chief Dan Jones recognized the small women's restroom was not sufficient for the three female officers on staff, but the city did not have the funding to renovate the area. He believed it was going to limit their ability to recruit and retain women officers on the force in the future.

Whitney Walton, Security Coordinator at the Marathon Petroleum Detroit refinery, met with Chief Jones to discuss how Marathon could help recruit and retain officers. Melvindale is located 10 miles southwest of Detroit and home to a tank farm used by the Detroit refinery. Walton, a member of the Detroit refinery's women's employee network chapter, secured a grant from the refinery to upgrade the women's locker room. Representatives from the women's employee network met with the officers to get their feedback on the renovation plans.

"It was great having women from two traditionally male-dominated fields sit down and discuss how to make the space more equitable and inclusive," said Walton. "You can see from the photos that the space turned out amazing."

Construction crews created a new locker room down the hall from the original women's restroom, which is also used by office staff. The new space includes five large lockers, a new vanity, adjustable lighting and a full-length mirror near the lockers for the officers to ensure their appearance falls within department standards. The existing restroom remained in place, meaning that the new locker room will not be shared with civilian staff or guests at the station, which enhances security.

"A space like this shows new officers that their needs are considered, and that there is a willingness to meet those needs," said Corporal Winward. "In this case, our needs were not only met, but far exceeded. I think any potential new officer touring the station would be impressed, not only with the physical appearance and conveniences, but also with the fact that the effort expended proves that we are heard and that we are valued."

Caption: Marathon Petroleum employees Whitney Walton and Operations Excellence Specialist Heather Kight met with Corporal Jessica Winward and Corporal Crystal Dominguez (not pictured) at the Melvindale Police Department to discuss plans for the locker room renovation.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Marathon Petroleum Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/marathon-petroleum-corporation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Marathon Petroleum Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/746593/Before-and-After-Locker-Room-Renovation-Improves-Morale-for-Police-Officers

FAQ

What did Marathon Petroleum do for the Melvindale Police Department?

Marathon Petroleum provided a grant and design support to renovate the women's locker room at the Melvindale Police Department.

What improvements were made to the women's locker room in Melvindale?

The renovated locker room includes five large lockers, new vanity, adjustable lighting, and a full-length mirror.

Why was the women's locker room in Melvindale Police Department upgraded?

The upgrade aimed to create a functional space to support the needs of female officers and enhance recruitment and retention.

How did the renovation affect the morale of female police officers?

The renovation greatly exceeded the officers' expectations, showing that their needs were heard and valued.

When was the renovation of the locker room completed?

The press release was published on March 29, 2023, indicating the renovation was completed around this date.