“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 Detective Leticia Johnson, a Logan City Police Department school resource officer recognized as the 2025 National School Resource Officer of the Year
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
From self-doubt to credibility tests, early-career challenges can define what comes next. This discussion explores how women navigate those pressures and build lasting career momentum
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Meet the women breaking barriers and leading departments across the country — sharing their challenges, lessons and advice for the next generation
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
From pregnancy to menopause, female officers reveal the strategies that sustain long careers in a culture that rarely slows down
A field guide for women confronting culture and building allyship in policing
A customized childcare model built for law enforcement families aims to improve retention, boost morale and deliver measurable return on investment
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
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
COMPLETE COVERAGE
The trooper, a member of Cuomo’s security detail, said she felt “completely violated” by his unwanted touching at an event in September 2019
Chief Jody Kasper was the first in her state to sign the 30x30 pledge, a commitment to increasing the number of qualified women in policing
The statement comes amid suggestions that Commissioner Keechant Sewell wouldn’t be reporting directly to Eric Adams
Nassau County Police Chief of Detectives Keechant Sewell, 49, will replace Dermot Shea, who is retiring from the NYPD after 30 years
Strategies for success in 22 key areas of policing
Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley is joined by Police1 columnist Janay Gasparini to discuss the challenges law enforcement faced in 2021
As we navigate our early careers, we should learn to listen to the wisdom of others whose knowledge comes from experience and reflection
From community policing initiatives to active shooter response, here are some of the most popular Policing Matters podcasts of the year
Overall, women make up 13% of full-time cops. But that number is even lower in state policing
“I firmly believe this graduating class will be part of changing the trajectory of public service in our city,” said Mayor Sharon Weston Broome
MOST POPULAR
- 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
- LAPD wants to name police station after 1st female deputy chief
- Police culture and women in law enforcement
- Pa. State Police celebrates 50 years of women in the ranks
- Fitness is a journey, not a number
- 8 ‘Mom-isms’ that can make you a better cop
- ‘My No. 1 was being a mom': How a career in LE gave one Lt. the balance she needed as a mom