Maurita Bryant retiring after 39 years

At the time, Bryant was cleaning offices at the U. S. Steel Building in downtown Pittsburgh. “I wanted to do more and I wanted more in my life,” she said.
So, she decided to pursue employment with the Pittsburgh police bureau, which was actively seeking minorities to adhere to the decree.

The opposition from family members did not deter her from seeking the career, which offered monetary value and benefits.  It all came to fruition on March 28, 1977.  Bryant did, however, eventually find an ally in her mother’s love, which was a staunch source of encouragement as her daughter struggled through the rigors of the training, tests and acclimation of becoming a Pittsburgh police officer.
Graduating in the fourth class of women who were accepted into the force, the young police officer found even more opposition  from within the ranks.  She found herself enmeshed deeply in a man’s world that was dominated by White males.  It came as no surprise to her that Black or White, women were an unwanted anomaly in the coveted circle of the Pittsburgh police department.
However, she did find unsolicited encouragement along the way, and she is quick to give credit to those who were instrumental in her achievements. It was that motivation that carried her through both the physical, educational and emotional training required to achieve acceptance into the bureau.
“There were times,” she emphasized, “when I almost gave up.  I wanted to quit but God always placed someone in my path that offered encouragement and support.”
Bryant said she found an inner strength that gave her courage to face those laced with hatred, the racism hidden beneath the badge, and the prejudices of many citizens living in various communities that either denied or questioned her position because of her race and her sex. “It was a rude awakening,” said Bryant.  “I learned to place myself in survival mode.”
“I trusted God,who has brought me a long way, she continued.
“I had to prove myself over and over and over again.”
Over the years, Bryant earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Point Park University.  Because of her persistence and dedication, she eventually walked a beat from the Hill to headquarters and the position of Assistant Chief of Investigations for the second largest police department in the state of Pennsylvania.
She is proud to say that the respect she gave to others was returned to her because of the way she treated others.
“You earn respect by the way you carry yourself and the way you work.  I never changed my beliefs or who I was to fit in someone else’s world.  What you see is what you get.  I had so many rewards in the community.  In one particular case, a young man came up to me to thank me.  He told me his life was changed because I arrested him.  Those are the moments that make you know it was all worthwhile.”
Her compassion is evident when she speaks.
“I never made it personal, nor did I demean anyone I arrested.  I tried to give people quality service.  You cannot fix all the problems in the world, but when you go to one particular call, you do your best.  Advise people on what they can do to make it better.  Take what you have learned or what you see and try to share that information. Whatever their challenges are, treat people like people.”
Retirement is merely a word to the lady with the outstanding and impressive resume.  Bryant said she plans to continue her involvement with organizations she has served throughout her career.  Among those, the past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement (NOBWLE) plans on continuing to be actively involved in the association in which she founded the Pittsburgh chapter.  Throughout her admirable career, Bryant received numerous law enforcement and community service awards. Most recently, she was recognized as “2015 Woman of the Year” for District 3 of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and was also a recipient of the “2015 PNC Women of Legacy” award.
Her memberships in associations throughout the Pittsburgh area and beyond are too numerous to list, but there is no doubt this woman in blue, who has served her city so unselfishly, will remain a large part of the streets of the city that she loves so much.
 
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