“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
A policing career isn’t about surviving each stage but using every step — from the academy to command — to grow into the leader you were meant to be
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
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
Learn how one officer rediscovered her identity and found a new purpose after an injury forced her into early retirement in her 30s
Over the past five decades, women have contributed to every aspect of the CHP, from motorcycle units to investigative roles and leadership positions
The recently retired Las Vegas Metro PD Assistant Sheriff reflects on the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resiliency and empowering women in law enforcement
The recent comments by entrepreneur Andy Frisella that were laced with misogyny and violence are a reminder that female officers are still fighting for respect
“His statements crossed far over the line from criticism to sharing violent fantasies of killing policewomen,” said St. Louis County police union President Derek Machens
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
MOST POPULAR
- Op-ed: Against all odds: The unyielding presence of women in law enforcement
- First woman sworn in as Miami-Dade’s top cop
- How yoga and meditation helped sharpen my aim
- Building a diverse police force: Lessons from the San Francisco PD
- Drunk driver gets probation for crash that killed Mass. trooper
- In their own words: Recruitment and retention hurdles facing female police officers
- Seattle PD interim chief pledges to recruit more women as part of nationwide 30x30 initiative
- Making time for ‘patrol ready’ physical fitness
- Virtual reality training pays off in armed encounter
- ‘Very ambitious': Highest ranking woman in Mass. State Police talks progress, next steps toward 30x30 plan