“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
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
A review of media-reported cases involving sexual harassment of female police officers by male officers from 2000-2019
Currently, women make up 12% of sworn officers. The 30x30 Initiative is trying to change that
It’s not easy balancing Olympic dreams with being a cop, but Officer Jean says it’s all about a strong mindset
NLEOMF panel discusses the unique experiences women face in their roles to serve and protect
MOST POPULAR
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- Va. officer was ‘pioneer in policing’
- NYPD officer alleges supervisor flashed, texted explicit photos
- Texas cop suspended for posting racy photos of herself
- British official fired for dead officer joke
- Former Pa. officer sues PD for sexual harassment
- Man tries to rob off-duty officer in Mass.
- Day off turned standoff: Fla. officer stops gunman after shooting
- Police1 readers share gear investments worth every penny for female officers