Cable network TLC has debuted "Police Women of Broward County." The network returns to the Florida county that spawned police reality pioneer "Cops" for a show that follows female law enforcement deputies from the Broward Sheriff's Office, as they pursue suspects, make arrests and hone their skills at the firing range. Photos courtesy of TLC.
Broward Police Women
Ana Murillo is a tough, straight-talking, 28-year-old. She doesn't take flak from anyone, either at home or on the beat. In a world of strong men - both emotionally and physically - Ana is determined to prove she's every bit as tough as the next guy. Assigned to the Strategic Enforcement Team, she patrols the toughest parts of one of Broward's biggest cities, conducting surveillance operations and stakeouts and looking for drug deals. She nabs junkies, gets them to flip on their dealers and finishes the job with undercover stings. Ana is known for outrunning the bad guys. Her motto: "Go ahead and try me."
Cable network TLC debuted "Police Women of Broward County" on Aug. 6. The network returns to the Florida county that spawned police reality pioneer "Cops" for a show that follows female law enforcement deputies from the Broward Sheriff's Office, as they pursue suspects, make arrests and hone their skills at the firing range. The deputies are (left to right) Ana Murillo, Shelunda Johnson-Cooper, Julie Bower and Andrea Penoyer.
Rookie Shelunda Johnson-Cooper, 25, is newly married to another BSO deputy, "J.C." Shelunda and her husband are both road patrol deputies, but they work in different cities. On his break, J.C. will visit Shelunda and bring her hot chocolate or even meet her for a quick dinner. J.C. constantly worries about his wife, as Shelunda rides the dangerous midnight shift solo, responding to unpredictable 911 calls in a busy seaside city. She never knows what she'll be called to next - a domestic disturbance, a fight with weapons, an armed robbery, or something absurd, like an angry drunk or a patron who refuses to pay their tab at a restaurant. Shelunda also has an identical twin who works as a deputy.
Andrea Penoyer, 26, is the only woman on one of South Florida's most effective anti-crime units. Andrea and her colleagues sweep the streets, work undercover and conduct intensive drug busts. Fast on her feet, she is the runner on the team and pops out of the car to chase the bad guy and take him down. They use whatever tactical methods are necessary to make the streets safer. Andrea is studying for a B.A. in public administration.
Julie Bower, a 48-year-old detective, works on sex crimes and missing-person cases. Julie says she loves what she does and won't give up until the case is solved. A 13-year veteran, Julie was named detective of the month twice in 2008 for the Broward Sheriff Office's Regional Investigations Division. Additionally, she was selected from 5,700 BSO employees as employee of the month for her excellent work in handling capital cases. She also served for 4 1/2 years as the only female on the agency's Dive Rescue Team. Julie's other previous assignments include working on the Strategic Enforcement Team, road patrol, serving as field-training deputy, and mentoring youth as an adviser for the BSO Explorer program.