Women in Policing

Advice for Women Entering Policing

"My advice to women entering law enforcement is women are stronger than we tend to think and believing in ourselves is key. Additionally, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, put yourself out there and work hard everyday to become better than you were the day before. By believing and pushing myself, I was able to join K9 and now I am able to work with my best friend every day. So never quit dreaming and never give up on yourself." - Officer Aida Rodriguez

"My advice for women entering law enforcement is to be the best that you can be and be better than you were the day prior. Strive to leave a positive impact with every individual you interact with. Every interaction, whether good or bad, can be a learning experience. Leaving any situation with a positive impact is one step towards bettering the community. And no two situations are ever the same. If you want and would love a challenging career, this is the place for you." - Officer Annette Wong

"My advice to women entering law enforcement is to maintain who you are and have confidence in your abilities. Know your strengths and weaknesses. The experiences you've been through as a woman have shaped you, and made you the person you are today. Those experiences are valuable, and will allow you to make a tremendous impact on many peoples’ lives." - Sergeant Leah Prentice

"My advice to women entering law enforcement is to stay focused, determined, and motivated. This profession isn’t a walk in the park; obstacles and challenges will come. However, with a strong ethic, you will overcome any adversities with perseverance." - Officer Janai Ottey

"My advice to women in law enforcement would be, we are capable of more than what we think we are. Don’t be afraid of the challenges you’ll face while on the department because growth follows right after, and your success will impact many and inspire more." - Officer Denise Rodriguez

"Being a police officer during these tumultuous times is a challenging, yet rewarding, career. It will teach you to believe in yourself, trust your instincts and prove you’re more capable than you may have thought. As a woman, you will be judged from the moment you decide to pursue a career in law enforcement. However, if you do your job with respect, kindness and compassion, you will not only meet people’s judgments but far surpass them." - Officer Susan Henson

"As a woman in law enforcement, you will be presented with what you think are impossible challenges. However, strong law enforcement women will look each challenge in the eye and give it a wink." - Sergeant Megan Tiemann

"My advice to women entering law enforcement would be, don’t let anyone discourage you from being a police officer, women in policing are changing departments for the better. You can be a part of that change." - Officer Viola Brock

Articles

Check out some of the studies on the benefits of having women in law enforcement, below:

• Women in Policing: Breaking Barriers and Blazing a Path 
• The Percentage of Women in State Policing Has Stalled Since 2000 
• Increasing Women Police Recruits to 30% Could Help Change Departments' Culture 
• Recruiting and Retaining Women: A Self Assessment Guide for Law Enforcement 
• Women in Control? The Role of Women in Law Enforcement 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I learn more about what it’s like to be a woman in MPD?

Join us for a ride-along! You’ll have the opportunity to talk to officers of all different backgrounds and hear about their experiences.

Are there different physical fitness standards for men and women?

The Physical Ability Test at Prospect Day is the same for both men and women.  

Do men and women wear different uniforms? Are there any uniform accommodations for women?

While men and women have the same uniform standards, each recruit is measured for their uniform and is provided with clothing that fits their frame. Female officers’ ballistic vests are specifically tailored.

I think of policing as a very physical job, and I’m worried that I’m not as tall or as strong as a typical police officer. Can I still be effective?

Absolutely! While policing does have physical aspects, it is much more about communication skills, intelligence, and the ability to think critically. Effective police officers deescalate tense situations, mediate between different parties, write detailed narratives, interview suspects, testify articulately in court, work cooperatively on busy scenes, and much more. The Academy’s Physical Training component will help you develop the physical skills required to be an officer, regardless of height or size.

How does MPD support working mothers?

• When a member becomes pregnant, the decision to continue work on full duty status is the sole decision of the pregnant officer and their doctor. When the member requests, they will be transferred into light-duty status. Neither their pay nor their rank is affected by their pregnancy.
• MPD provides private, sanitary lactation rooms in every station for new mothers to express breast milk. These lactation rooms are available 24/7, including holidays. It is our policy to provide reasonable break times during work to allow mothers to use the lactation rooms.
• MPD currently provides 8 weeks of fully paid family leave, and DC FMLA provides 8 additional weeks of unpaid family leave. 

What are the day-to-day activities of a police officer and what does it take to be effective?

The duties and day-to-day activities of a police officer can vary depending on the officer’s rank and assignment, but generally include the following:

1. Patrolling: Officers are responsible for patrolling their designated area, responding to calls for service, and identifying and preventing criminal activity.
2. Investigating: Officers are often the first responders to crimes and accidents, and must conduct initial investigations, collect evidence, and interview witnesses.
3. Arresting: Officers have the authority to make arrests when they witness a crime or have probable cause to believe a crime has occurred.
4. Maintaining Public Order: Officers are responsible for maintaining public order and safety, responding to disturbances, and mediating conflicts.
5. Providing assistance: Officers often provide assistance to citizens in need - including responding to medical emergencies.

To be effective in these scenarios, police officers must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be physically fit and able to handle stressful situations, and possess good judgment and critical thinking abilities. They must also have a thorough understanding of the law and be able to apply it appropriately in a variety of situations. Additionally, effective police officers must be able to build trust and rapport with the community they serve and be able to work collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to best serve Washington, DC.