TULSA, Okla. — Around 10% of law enforcement officers nationwide are women.
Historians speculate the first policewoman in America was Marie Owens, who was hired by the Chicago Police Department in 1891.
In 1910, the Los Angeles Police Department hired Alice Wells. Wells is known for fighting for more women to serve as police officers.
Since then, the push for women in law enforcement is tumultuous. Women have been hired solely to meet quotas, face discrimination, silent contempt, sexism at the workplace, and more.
Landmark court cases helped push for equality in law enforcement including Shpritzer v. Lang, Wells v. Civil Service Commission, and the Joanne Rossi case in Pennsylvania.
A 1971 class-action suit between Veragene Hardy and the City of Oakland Civil Service Board demanded a civil service classification for police officers with the Oakland Police Department to be open to men and women on an equal basis.
Today, woman serve in all facets of law enforcement. Police departments across Green Country are showing appreciation for their female partners in law enforcement.
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