“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
From records clerk to the Kansas City Police Department’s first female chief, Stacey Graves shares insights on leadership, networking, and balancing career and personal commitments
Equipping female officers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
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
Find the perfect blend of protection, durability and comfort tailored to your unique needs as a female first responder
We know women can bring unique qualities and life experiences to this work. So, how do we get more women to understand how well-suited they are for policing?
COMPLETE COVERAGE
Macaila Saunders alleged a New Bedford PD deputy assistant chief created a hostile environment and retaliated against her when she reported the discrimination
The event commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Policing Institute’s 1974 report, “Women in Policing: A Manual”
Thirteen female law enforcement officers who stepped into the boxing ring will be recognized at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame’s “Night of the Stars II” event
Mindy Casto served as interim chief since June 2024, and has served with the department since 1997
NYPD policy states that precincts must provide “a private room or an office for employees to express breast milk,” which must “provide an employee with the requisite privacy”
Monica David-Vickery, who once planned to become a nun, will retire in September just a few years ahead of her son, Denver Police Cmdr. Mike O’Donnell
Lady Lake Police Sgt. Michelle Bilbrey stopped the man for having a license plate attached to a pickup truck it didn’t belong to that also had a fake expiration sticker
The T8 Athena LE lightweight, flexible boot features a dedicated women’s last with a narrow heel, shorter Achilles area and increased arch support for a higher instep
Ten Mass. departments have signed onto the 30x30 Initiative, a plan to increase the number of women in each agency to 30% by the year 2030
“This is a job where you can do everything,” Naschke said. “I love coming to work every day,” Trooper Jessica Naschke said
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Mastering tactical skills: Female officers train at ‘Back the Women in Blue’ event
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