“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
Want to take control of your police career and break through the ranks? Higher education could be your key to success
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
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
Equipping female officers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers
COMPLETE COVERAGE
BlueStone Safety’s vests offer a discreet alternative to traditional uniform tops by offering a professional look coupled with the ability to increase officer safety and lessen the load typically meted out by heavy duty belts
As director of the Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment, one of Sarah Shendy’s goals is to encourage women and minorities to consider LE careers
The suspect had left a bullet hole in Deputy Sydney Canipe’s windshield a week earlier, inches from her head
In a lawsuit, three deputies described the agency’s undercover unit as a “booze-fueled playground for sexual exploitation”
These female police officers are helping young teenage girls stay safe and motivated through the power of training
Growing up, Kendra Snowden didn’t idolize her mom because she was in law enforcement; instead, she admired her work ethic and passion for people
Marcela Haskins knew she wanted to be the kind of mom who ate dinner with her kids and gave hugs before bedtime, but she also aspired to be a police officer
Women currently represent only 12% of all LEOs in America. Will you take the 30x30 pledge and promise to change that statistic?
A lawsuit said the old fitness tests included standards that weren’t required to perform a trooper’s job duties
There are four big mistakes that seem to be endemic to any sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender discrimination case
MOST POPULAR
- 7 reasons women struggle with firearms training (and how to overcome them)
- Best Female Cop Character Face-off: Olivia Benson vs. Chris Sanchez
- Video: Speeding prank gets 2 Fla. officers fired
- Bringing women to Mesa
- Calif. PD’s first women’s recruiting expo draws hundreds to explore potential police careers