“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
Police1 is conducting a confidential survey to better understand the impact of sexual harassment, assault and gender discrimination on female officers
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
Want to take control of your police career and break through the ranks? Higher education could be your key to success
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
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
Don’t compromise on functionality or comfort when buying maternity tactical pants
Equipping female officers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers
COMPLETE COVERAGE
Data from the “What Cops Want” survey suggests a difference in how female and male officers feel valued, indicating a gap in workplace culture and environment
Dive into the inspiring journey of female officers during a virtual discussion hosted by the National Law Enforcement Museum and NAWLEE
By understanding the barriers, we can start to dismantle them, paving the way for strategies that enhance the hiring, recruitment and retention of women in law enforcement
Temporary removal from the law enforcement front lines can take a mental toll on a mom-to-be — here are some key considerations for staying connected
Uncover what Police1 readers recommend to enhance readiness, safety and efficiency for female police officers
Law enforcement continues to struggle with recruiting women into the policing profession — recruiting websites aren’t helping
A new guide outlines actionable strategies to enhance recruitment websites, targeting barriers that deter women from policing careers
Actionable strategies law enforcement can adopt to support female officers juggling motherhood and their careers
Your response is crucial in identifying the most effective strategies to enhance women’s representation in policing roles
“It’s a sense of accomplishment to know that I put my mind to something, and I set out those goals and I obtained those goals,” Wendy Massey said
