“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
“Myself and the entire department take the rights of nursing mothers seriously,” Sheriff David Favro said
The previous height requirement for female officers joining Spain’s police force was set at 5 feet 3 inches tall
Pennsylvania’s state police agency was the first in the U.S. to fully integrate female troopers
Catherine Albera was one of the first two female officers sworn into the NYPD
The officers endured a hostile work environment and were put in undesirable jobs after raising sexual harassment complaints, a federal jury found
Kylie McCaughey, now 19 years old, was hired by the Marion Police Department fresh out of high school
U.S. Justice Department recognizes deputy’s heroism and quick thinking
The department is working on a new exam with more “functional” movements, like a body drag and jumping over walls
The N.Y. State Police has joined more than 150 other police departments in the “30x30 Pledge”
Early in her career, Chief Kathy Lester felt like “one of the guys.” Now, she recognizes that every female officer’s journey is unique and should be supported
MOST POPULAR
- Fired Federal Park chief gets her job back
- Why curbs are an officer’s best friend
- Man shot by cop had stopped meds, threatened child
- Wash. officer hurt after collision with man, 3 children
- Off-duty police officer attacked while jogging
- Fla. cop quits after posting ‘extremely pornographic’ photos online
- Murdered Wis. officer to be honored in memorial
- Fla. police chief loses tip of her shooting finger
- Former Minn. cop testifies about attack, suffering
- Fewer women in policing because fewer want the job