Junior at Grace Christian serves GRPD and Community

When Merly Velasquez-Ortis shows up for her internship, she never knows the array of questions she will find upon answering the phone. Yet she does so with compassion for her community members in distress, and is grateful for the honor of navigating challenges with them. Daughter of Abelina Ortiz and Eliseo Velasquez, Merly is fulfilling an internship with the Grand Rapids Police Department as a student with Junior standing at Grace Christian University, located in Wyoming, MI. Merly is not only the sole daughter of five children in her family, she is also the only family member in law enforcement. "We do everything together as a family and they are very supportive of my chosen profession," Velasquez-Ortiz stated when asked about their feelings.

An open mind and willing heart drove Velasquez-Ortiz to pursue a career in law enforcement. "During and after high school, nothing seemed to fit for my future until I took Introduction to Criminal Justice at Grace Christian University. In that class I found out about the internship with the Grand Rapids Police Department and the path that can be offered through their program. I was hooked after that," said Velasquez-Ortiz.

Merly is able to serve as an intern with GRPD, located in Grand Rapids, and as a team member who answers non-emergency calls for the department. Her tasks also include taking larceny reports from the public and updating the sex offender registry, among other tasks.

When asked about what fills her with joy from this internship, she knew just how to answer, "I think being bilingual has really opened up opportunities to assist detectives by serving as an in-house translator for them as we serve people that come to us. I was honored to be able to be the actual voice for a shooting victim who was sharing the story of what happened as I translated for him. Being able to connect with him in the moment was special and will shape my future in the field of police work."

When asked about her future in this profession, Merly Velasquez-Ortis was excited to share her goal of a Graduate degree in Criminal Justice. She is exploring the Grand Rapids Police Department sponsorship program, which contributes funds for the Police Academy and further training. While enrolled at Grace Christian University Merly continues to grow academically and spiritually, while pursuing the many career opportunities available to her.

The School of Social Sciences and Human Services at Grace Christian University, led by Dr. Scott Shaw, Phd., D. Min provides a variety of degree options rooted in a biblical core. On Campus or 100% Online programs allow students like Merly to seek and pursue their calling in a format convenient for their life.