National Police Women’s Day: Celebrating Their Role In Law Enforcement

Algood Patrol Officer and PIO Elena Neff said women in law enforcement today fight a two-fold battle.

Monday is National Police Woman Day which celebrates the contribution of female police officers. Neff said law enforcement is a difficult job regardless who you are, but women still fight against stereotypes.

“I think women bring a different perspective to a lot of situations,” Neff said. “Law enforcement deals with a lot of stressful, rapidly changing issues. Some people especially victims find it easier to talk to a woman.”

Neff said having women in law enforcement gives departments a well-rounded view while also representing the community as a whole. As for any young woman interested in law enforcement, Neff said to just go for it.

“If you run into resistance, push right through it,” Neff said. “We need women in law enforcement. We need female mentors in law enforcement. I think women especially coming into law enforcement or want to find a female mentor. They are going to be an invaluable resource to them as they navigate through their career.”

Neff said as a whole, she thinks that most communities have embraced women as police officers. Neff said the Algood Police Department has been very supportive towards women in law enforcement.

“My chief has been a huge support of women in law enforcement,” Neff said. “We are really blessed to have administration supportive of women in this profession. They really see the benefit of having women work for them and the community.”