“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
At the 2025 Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference, 2,000 officers, chiefs and allies filled a San Diego ballroom for three days of learning, laughter and leadership
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
Wende Wakeman noted the importance of the progress made by the organization, attributing her success to the sacrifices of those who came before her
Anne Kirkpatrick has more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, coupled with 20 years of leading bigger departments, the mayor stated
Who and what shapes our personal narratives can greatly influence our progress, potential, possibilities and peace
Officer Julie Jacks was heard saying “he’s going for my gun” over the radio before Isaac Jones fatally shot her three times with her .45-caliber service firearm
The BPD has 15% women across all police officers; women currently make up 41% of the command staff “and we want to do even more,” Mayor Wu said
As agencies work to increase the number of women in law enforcement, more attention must be paid to cultural behaviors that hold women back
Ahead of the new film based on the iconic doll, we look back on Barbie’s multiple roles as a first responder
Officer Candace Kanavel said she plans to use her platform, #YesSheCAN, to promote confidence in women and help them develop situational awareness
“While my time here will come to a close, I will never step away from advocacy and support for the NYPD,” Sewell wrote in her resignation
Two young girls lost all of their personal belongings; Det. Bragole reached out to her colleagues and the response to donate items was overwhelming
MOST POPULAR
- “Female Forces:" P1’s Betsy Brantner Smith in the spotlight
- Use your capacity to multitask to your advantage
- Women in law enforcement: The spirit of the female warrior
- Photo: Wounded cop Stacy Booth greets well-wishers
- Milestone promotions for the US Capitol Police
- FBI head Janice K. Fedarcyk set to retire
- Arrest made in Ga. officer’s death who was shot at home
- Police come together for daughter of Calif. cop killed by husband
- Tampa Police encourage citizens to “Call Me Maybe”
- Police mentor children with Hoops for Hope