Articles - Women in Law Enforcement

Routine doesn't just make us comfortable, it actually "detrains" us, robs us of our edge, and can even steal our lives.

When a marked police car pulls into a high-crime area and people start running away for no apparent reason, this is reasonable suspicion to stop them.

Shaw tried to deflect the gun with the flashlight in his left hand. But hearing the shot, he jumped back, landing on his backside about seven feet away from Burris.

It is imperative that you be able to recognize when suspects are using their hands to access and deploy weapons so you know how to respond. Never bring a control hold to a gun fight.

Gone are the days when a woman police officer was acting as a social worker with a badge, and they now fill as many roles as male police officers do. Many companies are adjusting what they manufacture and sell to specifically meet the needs of women police officers. This is after years of providing only unisex products and using a one size fits most business model.

So what makes a good duty light? It all depends on what you want to use it for. Obviously, you want it to illuminate an area or areas, but there are other considerations.

Find the right uniform for your shift. Read our product roundup that includes 5.11 Tactical, Elbeco, Fechheimer, Red the Uniform Tailor and The Force.

Uniforms aren't known for making fashion statements, but ideally they should be both comfortable and professional looking. With its Ladies Choice design, Elbeco feels it has finally created women's trousers to meet both of these criteria.

The truth is that the state of American law enforcement is a very fluid thing.

Fill your tool belt with things you need to keep yourself safe when dealing with the mentally ill. Each piece of information gathered before arriving on scene is another tool you may need.