Celebrating MPDs Commitment to Gender Diversity

Published on March 07, 2023

According to the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, women make up less than 13% of full-time officers in the United States. That means on average, for a department with 100 officers, only 13 are female. 

The City of Maricopa Police Department has committed to going beyond that statistic. As of March 2023, the department is 18% female and growing. Sargeant A. Cohen, who oversees the recruitment process for MPD, says she is excited to see the growing number of female candidates attending the written and fitness testing sessions. 

“Most times, it’s self-doubt that prevents women from entering this career and it almost stopped me,” she says. “I thought at my height and size I had no business being a police officer. So, I went into education and became a teacher for two years. Then one day I realized, no one told me no or that I couldn’t do it and that I was my own barrier. I put my self-doubt to the side and here I am 11 years later, proud to be a police officer.”

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the voices of our female officers in a unique question-and-answer format. Here is what they had to say. 

Question: What strategies have you seen at work within MPD to encourage female representation and overall diversity in our police force?

Answer: At our current staffing rate, the Maricopa Police Department consists of about 18% sworn female officers, in all different ranks, from detective to lieutenant to officer. In order to grow that percentage, our department has continued to invest in the next generation of female officers by participating in a program called Aspire Academy. It is a week-long camp hosted in the valley, consisting of girls between 14 and 18 years of age, that focuses on careers in police and fire. The camp helps build confidence in young women, allowing them to do the type of tasks we do in this profession every day. It’s an amazing experience. - Sgt. J. Soto

Our department is fortunate to have female representation at most ranks and in specialty areas as well. There is an International Association of Chiefs of Police initiative to have 30% female officers by 2030. We are not there yet, but we are above the national average of 13 %. - Lt. K. Elliot

Q: Do you think the media accurately portrays female officers?

A: I think the media does a decent job portraying female officers, they are certainly getting better as time goes by. In today’s law enforcement personnel, females occupy almost every position you can think of: Border Patrol, SWAT, Narcotics, Detectives, and Chiefs of Police so it’s important to see those stories of overcoming obstacles reflected on the TV or movie Screen. - Sgt. J. Soto

Q: What barriers do women in policing face?

A: One of the biggest obstacles I faced when starting my career was building trust with my peers. Trust is a quality that takes a long time to build, especially in a career where we run toward danger. I’ve been fortunate to be with the Maricopa Police Department for 15 years and work with a great group of officers who I know have my back. - Sgt. J. Soto

In the early days, female officers needed to prove themselves more than men to be accepted. This continued with each promotion or transfer to a new specialty assignment. I am happy to say that is not how it is now. - Lt. K. Elliot

Q: What unique qualities do you bring to the Maricopa Police Department as a woman? 

A: First and foremost, I’m a person, just like the rest of you. I’m a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a niece, and a friend; I am a police sergeant second. My life experience has taught me how to empathize with a wide variety of situations. My years of experience have taught me how to balance the spirit of the law with the letter of the law. I was born and raised in a small town, much like Maricopa started. I’m dedicated to the community and the citizens as well as the department. I’m an excellent multi-tasker. Because I live in the City, my kids go to MUSD and play sports here, I have a unique opportunity to liaison between the citizens and the department. - Sgt. J. Soto

I have an outgoing personality and tend to relate well with others. Not only that but having the courage and perseverance along with compassion when responding to calls for service can be beneficial, especially when de-escalating certain situations. - Officer S. Arellano

I think my ability to de-escalate situations is a quality I bring. There have been several instances where I arrive on the scene and can calm the situation. Unfortunately, in policing we deal with many domestic violence situations. I have found that in these instances I usually have a higher success rate at making victims feel comfortable enough to speak out about what occurred than my male counterparts. - Officer K. Wiemiller

Q: What advice would you give to women who want to become police officers? 

A: I would suggest finding several mentors to help them get started and navigate the unique nuances of this profession. I would also suggest embracing a strategy of personal development throughout their careers. The profession is constantly evolving, and it is important to be flexible and willing to adapt to the changes in expectations from the public we serve. - Lt. K. Elliot

Do it! Don’t be afraid! Do not listen to the people who tell you, you can’t. I had several individuals tell me I would regret becoming an officer. They all had various reasons, how could I have a family? How would I take care of my children one day? You are capable of doing it. Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t give up! - Officer K. Wiemiller

Remember your purpose as to why you wanted to become a Police Officer in the first place and don’t give up. - Officer S. Arellano

It may sound cliché, but you can do anything you put your mind to. It will take dedication, hard work, thick skin, and sacrifice, but there is nothing more rewarding than being able to help people in my community. When I walk into a house, store, or school, in uniform, and see the confidence I give to young girls, it fills my heart. When I see the pride on my kids’ faces when someone realizes I work for the police department. I held plenty of jobs before deciding to become a police officer, but none of them have been more fulfilling than police work. - Sgt. J. Soto