“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
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
- Poll: What do you think is the biggest barrier for women entering law enforcement?
- Poll: How supportive is your police department of women returning to work after maternity leave?
- High school science teacher swaps the classroom for Texas SWAT team
- Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement creates challenge coin recognizing female officers
- Tactical (and practical) Mother’s Day gift ideas for police officer moms
- Veteran Kansas City officer chosen to lead police department
- 20-year veteran tapped to lead Minn. State Patrol
- $4 million verdict for LAPD captain over fake nude photo shared by officers
- Newly elected Ore. sheriff becomes 1st woman to serve in role in agency’s 168-year history
- Female NY cop files suit alleging gender discrimination, retaliation