“Women in Law Enforcement” is dedicated to highlighting the unique challenges and accomplishments of female officers within the force. We focus on key issues facing female police officers, including workplace diversity, overcoming gender biases, and navigating the physical and mental demands of the job in a traditionally male-dominated field. We shed light on initiatives aimed at increasing the representation and success of women in law enforcement, and emphasize the importance of female leadership within law enforcement, showcasing the inspiring journeys of women who have risen to leadership roles.
DAY IN THE LIFE
Meet Officer Emily Herbst and Maximus, her police horse partner in Denver’s Mounted Patrol Unit, bridging the gap between law enforcement and community — one stride at a time
Amelia Frasure shares her experience as the UAS program manager of the Greenville Police Department’s drone program and her passion for training the next generation of drone operators
Meet Alison Funaiock: Newport News Police Department’s trailblazing captain, former SWAT sniper and community advocate
With 24 years in policing, Isabel McDonald brings the compassion, dedication and empathy of a former funeral service director to her role as a K-9 officer and peer support advocate
From tense standoffs to lifesaving resolutions, Elizabeth Prillinger brings nearly two decades of law enforcement experience to her role as a hostage negotiator in one of America’s busiest cities
Meet LaShawnna Edwards, who is blazing trails with her determination, grit and commitment to excellence
Meet Lindsey Wade, a cold case detective who helped solve the 32-year-old mystery of two young girls brutally murdered in Tacoma
With Zona, Arizona’s first electronic detection K-9, Gayle Warren tackles everything from child exploitation cases to high-profile investigations, bringing her unique journalism background and forensic expertise to the forefront
Meet Mary Nero: Greensboro Police Department’s lone homicide victim advocate who managed a record 74 homicide cases in a single year
Meet Andrea Cortez, a 17-year law enforcement veteran and analyst at Elk Grove (Calif.) Police Department’s Real-Time Information Center
For Officer Macarena Garner, becoming an RTO is a dream fulfilled
Meet Lieutenant Jackie Pearson, a 26-year officer and resilience instructor at Fort Collins Police Services in Colorado
Master Deputy Addy Perez is a five-year veteran of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina
Download this resource built by and for women in policing — with real stories, actionable strategies and tools to help you grow and lead with purpose
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Departments that remove barriers and invest in women officers are finding measurable gains in recruitment, retention and community trust
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
Embracing inclusion, empathy and collaboration strengthens law enforcement and builds trust in the communities we serve
After enduring discrimination, harassment and retaliation at my agency, I’m sharing 13 steps to help police leaders protect their officers — and stop driving the good ones out
“A female officer’s bra choice affects how her armor fits, how comfortable she is and even how effectively she can move. A bad bra fit can mean bad armor fit.”
Say goodbye to wearing men’s boots in smaller sizes — here’s how a purpose-built women’s duty boot makes all the difference on duty
The goal isn’t to give female officers an advantage — it’s about leveling the playing field
Dr. Tanya Meisenholder explores how the 30x30 Initiative is reshaping police recruitment, retention and culture to create new opportunities for women in law enforcement
Innovative child care programs are changing law enforcement recruiting and retention through agency-led programs, new laws and other solutions
How do I get my all-male command staff to understand and support my rights as a pregnant officer?
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office’s day care center aims to improve employee retention and recruitment by addressing work-life balance challenges
Want to take control of your police career and break through the ranks? Higher education could be your key to success
COMPLETE COVERAGE
Comments from respondents to Police1’s sexual harassment survey reveal how leadership, HR practices and agency culture shape women’s experiences in law enforcement
More than three-quarters of respondents experienced workplace sexual harassment, highlighting persistent cultural and leadership challenges in policing
The city of Charlotte announced Estella Patterson will become the next police chief; she worked with CMPD for 25 years before serving as Raleigh police chief from 2021-2025
A lighthearted outreach idea during the pop star’s Eras Tour sparked nearly a billion impressions, boosted morale and inspired more women to consider policing
NYPD
Marilyn Ozuna joined the department in 1994 after seeing an ad in a newspaper; now, two of her children are detectives, one is a patrol officer and one is in the police academy
Discover the benefits of hosting an au pair
University adds Maritime Safety and Wildland Fire Concentrations to catalog
Nearly 600 female officers share the factors that helped and hindered their path into law enforcement, offering actionable recommendations to improve recruitment and inclusion
We bring you a collection of social posts from agencies across the country celebrating their exceptional women in uniform
Alexandria Police Officer Whitney Buerger, once saved by an AED herself, delivered a shock that revived a man in cardiac arrest
MOST POPULAR
- Watch: NYPD detective plunges into water to catch car theft suspect
- 30x30 initiative, other LE organizations address misguided blame in response to Trump rally shooting
- Atlanta PD recruiting dance video aims to show ‘human side of policing’
- NFL player wounded during robbery honors Calif. officer who responded, presents signed jersey during game
- ‘Women Cops Who Box’ award recognizes officers at ceremony in Las Vegas
- Words matter: How misogyny undermines women in law enforcement
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Mastering tactical skills: Female officers train at ‘Back the Women in Blue’ event
- Workplace harassment continues to plague female police officers
- Intentionally fostering diversity is a crucial step in enhancing police recruiting efforts
- City settles lawsuit filed by nursing NYPD moms over lack of clean spaces to pump breast milk