GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids Police Department has changed its processes to welcome the most diverse group of recruits in the city's history.

The spring 2017 recruitment class was narrowed down from almost 1500 to 10 and includes:

Three white women

Three African-American men

Two white men

One Hispanic man

One Asian-American woman

Last fall's recruitment class was comprised of nine white men. Officer diversity has become one of the department's priorities as it works to better it's relationship with the community.

Police Chief David Rahinsky said some questions the community has brought up is if the department will hire for diversity or for quality.

"We're going to hire for quality but in doing so, ideally, we'd like to hire diverse candidates," Rahinsky said.

He said the new diverse class will allow the department to enhance it's relationship with the community.

"It's going to build on trust. That trust is going to help us further reduce the crime level here in Grand Rapids. It's going to diffuse any tension that may exist in some neighborhoods." Rahinsky said. "I think ultimately, it's going to make for a stronger Grand Rapids."

To allow for the more diverse class, Rahinsky said the department knocked down some departmental barriers.

For the first time since 2001, the newest recruits were not required to have passed the police academy before applying.

They also did not need a college degree. The city only required candidates be at least 18-years-old and have a high school diploma.

"It allows us to choose candidates with a heart for service, regardless of whether they've been through the academy or not," Rahinsky said.

With the new process, Rahinksy said he doesn't care if a candidate is knows current policing philosophies or the Michigan State statute.

"I want someone who's got a character of integrity, because that's something we can't teach," Rahinksy said.

Rahinsky said the new recruits will attend the Grand Valley State University police academy, starting May 1.

Grand Rapids City Manager Greg Sundstrom told The Grand Rapids Press and MLive the training will be paid for by the city and the recruits should be trained officers in a year.

The second round of recruiting for 2017 recently opened, but it will be several months before the new class is announced.