“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
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
Equipping female officers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
“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
Don’t compromise on functionality or comfort when buying maternity tactical pants
Albany Police Chief Marcia Harnden faced many challenges when she stepped into the role, including employee discipline, high-profile uses of force and staffing shortages
COMPLETE COVERAGE
We bring you a collection of social posts from agencies across the country celebrating their exceptional women in uniform
Bland shares how courage, mentorship and stepping outside your comfort zone are essential to breaking barriers in law enforcement
By maintaining a positive attitude and embracing unique skills, Gasparini explains how female officers can excel throughout their careers
San Francisco police Sgt. Joelle Harrell was credited for her heroics as she kept pressure on 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall’s wounds until EMS arrived
To shape the next generation of leaders, focus on leading by example, empowering others, embracing authenticity and fostering resilience
San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest; Sgt. Joelle Harrell applied pressure to his wounds and helped him remain calm until EMS arrived
Lt. Julia Clasby shares her experiences as a female officer and mother, offering insight and advice to help women in law enforcement navigate their path into leadership roles
McDonald explains a typical day as a K-9 officer for the Seaport Operations Bureau, what her K-9, Bentley, is responsible for while on duty and how her role has evolved over her 24-year career
“When I was a young girl … I never thought my world would be outside the Bronx and with these girls — I feel like I see myself in them,” Commissioner Tania Kinsella said
Lisa Davis, who is currently assistant chief at the Cincinnati Police Department, is a U.S. Navy veteran with 30 years of law enforcement experience
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