“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
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
Equipping female officers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS
“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
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
COMPLETE COVERAGE
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
From fainting at her first autopsy to finding the only drop of blood that cracked a murder case, Gabrielle Wimer shares the raw, often gritty reality of crime scene investigations
Female law enforcement officers who have stepped into the boxing ring were recognized at the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame’s “Night of the Stars II” event
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”
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
MOST POPULAR
- ‘You can do it': Female Pa. State Police troopers share experiences, encourage more women to join
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- NFL player wounded during robbery honors Calif. officer who responded, presents signed jersey during game
- Words matter: How misogyny undermines women in law enforcement
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Mastering tactical skills: Female officers train at ‘Back the Women in Blue’ event