National Police Woman Day is celebrated annually Sept 12 to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of female police officers who enforce law and order around the country. Today the Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) shows honor and respect to the women who choose to serve and protect their communities, including eight officers. The GVPD has four community service officers, three sworn officers, and one sworn assistant police chief.
Women account for a small but growing percentage of police officers. According to the University of San Diego, the national average for sworn female police officers is approximately 13 percent, up from just 3 percent in the 1970s. However, there is still a long way to go for gender equality in law enforcement, said Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green.
"Although female officers often fight against discrimination and oppression, they are a vital part in police forces all over the United States and other places in the world,” said Green. "This National Police Woman Day, the GVPD would like to celebrate current and former women in law enforcement while also encouraging more women to join the service."
Photos by Stan Waldhauser
