Series: Women in the News / Women in History
November 20, 2024 – A Milestone Moment for Women in Law Enforcement
Today, Jessica Tisch made headlines as the second woman to lead the New York Police Department (N.Y.P.D.). Known for her grit and determination, Tisch’s appointment signals another step forward in the long journey of women breaking barriers in policing.
But Tisch isn’t the first woman to revolutionize law enforcement. Her achievement builds on a legacy of trailblazing women who have shaped the history of policing in the United States.
Women Who Paved the Way
1845: Flora Foster became one of the first female prison matrons in New York City, serving at “The Tombs” for 36 years.
1890: Marie Owens was appointed as one of the earliest known female police officers in Chicago, Illinois.
1908: Lola Baldwin became the first sworn female officer, hired by Portland, Oregon, as part of an effort to prevent young women from falling into criminal lifestyles.
1968: Sgt. Betty Blankenship and Sgt. Elizabeth Coffal Robinson broke new ground as the first women in the country to patrol a beat alongside their male counterparts.
These women laid the foundation for future generations to take on the complex and often male-dominated world of law enforcement.
Why Do We Need More Women in Policing?
Although women make up a growing percentage of police officers—rising from fewer than 1,000 in 1974 to an estimated 96,000 today—women still represent only about 12% of sworn officers in the U.S.
The need for gender diversity in policing goes beyond equity—it’s about outcomes. Studies have shown that female officers:
Receive fewer complaints from citizens.
Are less likely to use excessive force or draw their firearms.
Build stronger rapport with communities, often being perceived as more honest and compassionate.
Achieve better results for crime victims, particularly in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault.
What Does the Research Say?
Evidence from decades of studies highlights that increasing the number of women in law enforcement improves public safety outcomes. Communities served by female officers report higher levels of satisfaction and trust in the police. These officers often excel in marginalized communities, where empathy and attentiveness are crucial.
A 2023 study involving more than 50 jurisdictions underscored this point: women officers prioritized care and well-being, leading to enhanced community relations and perceived legitimacy of law enforcement agencies.
How Can We Recruit More Women?
Policing organizations must do more to attract and retain women. Agencies can start by:
Creating recruitment campaigns that highlight the unique strengths women bring to law enforcement.
Offering mentorship programs to guide women through the profession.
Building family-friendly workplace policies to support work-life balance.
Promoting women into leadership roles to serve as role models.
A Vision for the Future
Jessica Tisch’s historic appointment is a reminder of how far women have come—and how far we still need to go. By prioritizing gender diversity in law enforcement, we not only honor the legacies of trailblazers like Flora Foster and Lola Baldwin but also create stronger, more compassionate police forces that truly reflect the communities they serve.
With more women in uniform, the future of policing looks brighter—and safer—for everyone.
