“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
Police1 is conducting a confidential survey to better understand the impact of sexual harassment, assault and gender discrimination on female officers
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
LAPD Captain Julie Rodriguez shares straight-shooting advice on crushing promotions, balancing family life, and why mentorship and sponsorship are key to keeping women in uniform
Want to take control of your police career and break through the ranks? Higher education could be your key to success
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
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
Don’t compromise on functionality or comfort when buying maternity tactical pants
Equipping female officers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers
COMPLETE COVERAGE
House File 856 prohibits public entities from offering what it defines as “preferential treatment or special benefits” based on identity categories
A veteran leader shares a framework for managing high-risk incidents and community expectations
After four days stationed deep in the canyon, Ranger Malerie Mento hikes out — balancing law enforcement and emergency medicine along one of the park’s most challenging patrol beats
Officer Isabel McDonald wrote a poem to help families find comfort and closure in the words their loved ones can no longer say
“I was proud to be his handler,” said Sgt. Powell, who shared the emotional story of K-9 Coba’s sacrifice during the National Police K-9 Memorial Service
“I want people to see that behind the uniform is actually a person. We’re sons and daughters and mothers and fathers, and we have souls,” Lt. Courtney Murphy said
Stranded in a flood and swept off her feet, this Tennessee trooper showed what true service looks like — even after the rescue
Surrounded by hardship at home and in her community, LAPD Officer Asunción Maribel Plascencia found purpose through the encouragement of two mentors in uniform
From fainting at her first autopsy to finding the only drop of blood that cracked a murder case, Gabrielle Wimer shares the raw, often gritty reality of crime scene investigations
Female law enforcement officers who have stepped into the boxing ring were recognized at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame’s “Night of the Stars II” event
MOST POPULAR
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- NFL player wounded during robbery honors Calif. officer who responded, presents signed jersey during game
- 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