Trending Topics

Trailblazers in uniform: Virtual event to celebrate women’s impact in law enforcement

Dive into the inspiring journey of female officers during a virtual discussion hosted by the National Law Enforcement Museum and NAWLEE

Walking-the-Same-Beat_Screen.png.jpg

By Police1 Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Museum, in coordination with the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), is set to host “Walking the Same Beat: The First Patrol of Women Officers,” a virtual discussion event. Scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2024, at 2 p.m. Eastern, this free event aims to shed light on the challenges and achievements of women in the law enforcement field.

The event draws inspiration from the landmark accomplishments of Sgt. Betty Blankenship and Sgt. Elizabeth Coffal Robinson of the Indianapolis Police Department, who on September 10, 1968, became the first female officers in the United States to undertake patrol duties akin to their male colleagues.

The upcoming panel discussion will focus on the enduring influence of Sgt. Blankenship and Sgt. Coffal Robinson, while also examining the broader experiences of female officers in the police force, and contemplating the future and ongoing development of women’s roles within law enforcement.

NAWLEE Executive Director Kym Craven will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Valerie Cunningham, Catherine Cummings, Nikole Pilkington and Jaylin Harris, all of whom are affiliated with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Reserve your spot here.

NEXT: Ever wondered about the real-life inspiration for the “Silence of the Lambs” movie? Jana Monroe, one of the first female FBI agents and model for Jodie Foster’s character, takes you inside the FBI Behavioral Science Unit in a Policing Matters podcast episode. Discover her groundbreaking journey, insights into serial killer profiling and how forensic science has evolved. Listen now for a look behind the scenes of a true pioneer in law enforcement!

WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
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
Police1 is conducting a confidential survey to better understand the impact of sexual harassment, assault and gender discrimination on female officers
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
A veteran leader shares a framework for managing high-risk incidents and community expectations
After four days stationed deep in the canyon, Ranger Malerie Mento hikes out — balancing law enforcement and emergency medicine along one of the park’s most challenging patrol beats
“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
Stranded in a flood and swept off her feet, this Tennessee trooper showed what true service looks like — even after the rescue
Surrounded by hardship at home and in her community, LAPD Officer Asunción Maribel Plascencia found purpose through the encouragement of two mentors in uniform