Women As Police Officers

By: Samantha Martinez

I developed a passion in criminal justice in high school. My sister was a criminal justice major and I would look in her books I found a lot that was interesting for me to read. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan I witnessed a lot of people get arrested when I was younger.  Cops sirens were a daily noise in my neighborhood. What attracted me to become a cop was the way the cops carry themselves and the authority they hold.

My first semester of college I took criminal justice 101 and I loved it. Being a police officer can also lead me to other criminal justice careers, like becoming a detective or joining the S.W.A.T team. I have told people my interest in becoming a cop and their response is, " Really you don't seem like the type to be one." When what they want to say is "really but you're a girl". Seeing women police officers also gives me boost of confidence because the perception of a cop is usually male.

 A lot of people say police officers do not get paid a lot nor a successful career because of the danger it comes with. The danger it comes with to help other people in danger is what excites me, helping others is an important part of who I am as a person. Negative stereotypes will exist, but those will never take away the degree of hard work you put into becoming who you want to be. Women police officers are only growing and I will be one of them.