“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
The team ranked 12th out of 55 teams in the Hostage Rescue event, 10th out of 55 teams in the Assault Event and 6th out of 55 teams in the Officer Rescue event
Deputy Sarah Merriman, a Special Response Team operator with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, is seen during tactical training
Maegan Hall’s lawyers claim she’s having difficulty getting a job after the scandal made national news, prompting an influx of negative publicity
Established in the early 1990s, the Dubai Police SWAT team hosts the UAE SWAT Challenge, a highly regarded event in the international law enforcement community
Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell wants to reduce gun violence and traffic fatalities, improve school safety, use technology to keep drugs out of county jails and more
Yesenia Sanchez vowed to reform Santa Rita Jail while inviting greater community input as the county’s new sheriff
Strategies for success in 23 key areas of policing
Stacey Graves is the first woman to become police chief in the department’s nearly 150-year history
However, as the post-pandemic hiring surge levels out, the rate of female officers being hired has begun to fall significantly
The two officers officiated their first-ever 6A championship game last week – with one officer making history
MOST POPULAR
- What 21 years on the job taught me about integrating women in law enforcement agencies
- US sues over Pa. police fitness tests
- This school resource officer and Olympic athlete has her sights on Tokyo
- Is your life really balanced?
- Roundtable: Leadership development for female officers
- Sam Browne and beyond: A look at duty belts
- How gender-based training can make us all better cops
- Revamping police recruitment: A strategic shift toward inclusivity and diversity
- Highlights from the NAWLEE 2024 conference: Empowering women leaders in law enforcement
- Women in policing: 9 tips for mentors and mentees