“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
For women in policing, networking means building mentors, sponsors and allies, joining professional groups, and creating a digital presence that supports career growth 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
“What are you going to do? You’re a stupid broad,” he said to the cop, who arrived after the man stabbed a Muslim cab driver
Make sure that you do all that you can do to not only examine the holster but to try it out before purchasing
Maureen Gill says the exchange happened when she warned a male subordinate for his chronic lateness in May 2008
Having a gun rest exactly in a close-to-dead-center hip location can be annoying enough to cause all kinds of issues for the wearer
Appointment of Gloria S. Graham, currently assistant police chief at Duke University, is a first for the University of Tennessee
‘Fire and police departments share a fraternity ... a strong bond average people just don’t know about’
Parenting is hard... parenting while working shifts, dealing with the bottom rung of society, and being suspicious of everyone is even harder
Just because a particular holster works for the next “guy” doesn’t mean it will work for you
Women make up about 12 percent of all sworn law enforcement officers in the US
MOST POPULAR
- Colo. detective keeping the peace on the ice at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
- Off-duty Chicago officer, daughter shot at home
- NYPD’s new commissioner sworn in, vows to fight crime: ‘We start today’
- Ohio officer leading by example to attract recruits
- NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell resigns after 18 months
- Fla. officer struck by car shoots suspect
- Long Island police official picked as 1st woman to lead NYPD
- New NYPD leader makes history after a strong 1st impression
- 2 DC firefighters arrested for assaulting cops in separate incidents
- NJ officer hospitalized after struck, dragged by car