Empowering Women in Law Enforcement

Strategies for Recruitment, Retention, and Leadership

I have been in public service for over 30 years, and female representation in policing has been a topic of conversation since I engaged in the field. As one of the few women in the early and mid-2000s at my agency, I often would have schools, colleges, and various organizations ask me to come and speak to young women who may be looking for a career. Even then, I would often get questions about police requirements for attire and haircuts or prohibitions regarding things like jewelry. It was the visual aspect that concerned them—the young women wanted to know what would have to change in their own demeanors and styles to “fit in” in law enforcement.