Dallas Police Women’s Association

Our 2nd annual event is fast approaching! Thank you HBL Towing & Recovery for sponsoring again this year!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Message to request details!

Thank you, Police1, for getting this out to a broader audience. Support is so important!

Op-ed: Against all odds: The unyielding presence of women in law enforcement In the face of relentless scrutiny and disparaging remarks, women in law enforcement keep showing up, proving their strength, fortitude and commitment every single day

Look at this! Our very own Kimberly Stratman *and* Heather Glogolich
share experiences, information and great insights in this Empowering Sisterhood edition! Read it!

The Blue Magazine The Blue Magazine is dedicated to providing an unfiltered and independent voice to all Law Enforcement Officers by helping to strengthen the ties that bind us together as brothers and sisters in blue.

July 17, 2024
I have encountered a troubling increase in rhetoric questioning the suitability of women in law enforcement since Saturday’s horrific incident. When I saw a female Secret Service agent on camera, just the glimpse of her in the beginning, I anticipated the inevitable backlash for something. There is always something. Unfortunately, the volume and intensity of the criticism have been overwhelming. Numerous posts and articles, authored predominantly by men who have never served as police officers, argue against women in law enforcement. Some comments came from male officers who felt compelled to "finally say it," while others originated from spouses of officers who expressed concern for their partners having to support female colleagues. Some women can’t fathom the idea of doing police work, so they assume other women aren’t up to the task. There are even a few female officers disparaging other police women, claiming they are the exception.
After considerable reflection, I concede that their comments contain a kernel of truth. Perhaps we shouldn’t endure these roles under such scrutiny. Yet, we keep showing up.
From day one, the challenges have been formidable. We have always been tasked with “proving ourselves” to our male counterparts, who face no such burden.
Still, we show up.
On our first days on the streets, we are often confronted with derogatory remarks: "Are you a b*tch or a wh*re? Because every female cop is one or the other." Right out of the academy, we are labeled “fresh meat,” subjected to rampant sexual harassment, which becomes a normalized part of our work environment. Silence is our only option; complaining internally could end our careers and lead to ostracization. Complaining publicly could get us fired. A single mistake brands us as affirmative action or diversity hires, while our male counterparts are afforded the grace of human error. We are held to a different standard.
Yet, we keep showing up.
We are frequently overlooked for career-advancing training. We are consistently placed last in line for running warrants. Minor infractions result in disproportionate punishment, while others escape unscathed. If we participate in conversations, we are labeled as pushy; if we stay silent, we are snobs. Expressing frustration at any of this is seen as a sign of mental instability. Achieving a position on an elite squad is dismissed as tokenism, with assumptions that we must have provided sexual favors to earn our spot. According to these critics, there is no conceivable way that we could have rightfully earned that spot over a male colleague.
Our competence is constantly questioned.
Yet, we keep showing up.
Heaven forbid we become pregnant. Accusations of using pregnancy as an excuse to avoid work are common. We are often relegated to using inadequate facilities for pumping milk when returning from maternity leave and discussing these challenges is deemed inappropriate. While our colleagues can take extended breaks without scrutiny, we are criticized for taking too long. We are expected to manage our responsibilities at home, yet when our children fall ill, we are seen as an inconvenience.
Yet, we keep showing up.
We may encounter supervisors who are notorious for their misogynistic behavior, but rest assured, they will be promoted and become someone else's problem. Should we dare speak out against such injustices, we will be ignored and dismissed as "messy.”
Yet, we keep showing up.
In addition to facing the usual challenges from those who oppose law enforcement, we endure additional biases. We perform the same duties as our male colleagues: administering CPR, rescuing individuals from burning vehicles, apprehending armed criminals, comforting grieving families. We willingly face the same dangers, contributing our blood, sweat, and so many tears, just like every other officer.
To those men who are upset at the mere presence of female officers, we implore you to pinpoint exactly where on your ego that it hurts.
To those women whose ovaries shudder at the thought of women in law enforcement, you are correct, ma’am, this work is not for you. To the men purporting to be police behind anonymous accounts, show yourselves, cowards. To the concerned spouses, bless your hearts.
And to the female officers who disparage their sisters in an attempt to try to “fit in”, remember the words of Madeleine Albright.
We really shouldn’t have to endure this. Yet, we keep showing up. Despite disapproval, we persist. Even as the criticism grows louder, we remain steadfast.
We truly should not be doing this. Yet, we keep showing up. Despite your disapproval, we will continue to show up. Even as you amplify your derogatory remarks, we will still be there.
It takes a special kind of person to subject themselves to such circumstances, to keep showing up, to engage in grueling fights and continue fighting, to return home covered in sweat, muscles aching, and utterly exhausted, only to be confronted with your hateful words. Yet, we will show up again tomorrow. Few possess the fortitude to do so. Female officers exhibit this strength every single day. So, by all means, fire up your keyboard. We will simply keep showing up, fully aware that you could never withstand the demands of our job.
To my sisters in blue- we see you. Keep showing up.

-Jennifer Atherton
President, Dallas Police Women’s Association

We are so proud to introduce the Lisa Sandel Police Women’s Foundation
Like and follow!

https://www.facebook.com/share/xgQ9VkWmU7XYKS8Z/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Lisa Sandel Police Women’s Foundation Registered 501c3. Foundation created to fund training and scholarships, breaking barriers!

👮‍♀️❤️🐕

WELCOME ALERT! To: K9-“Spirit” and his handler Police Officer Mayfield.

Happy ! Thordolio in ‘15, found in the backpack of a gang member-he was trying to find dog fighters to trade her to. For bait! He had a sudden change of heart and turned her over to me. Now we are growing grey together. ❤️🐶


Post the fur babies that found you on the streets in the comments!

The DPWA is so excited to formally announce the formation of our Lisa Sandel Police Women’s Foundation! This foundation’s mission is to provide training and funds for training and education to our members so that they can better serve our community.
More info to come as they launch the website and plan events!
You may message us here for more information or contact the Chairman at [email protected]

Thank you to this amazing group of women for coming together to lead this foundation!

V day is Wednesday! You may be wondering if you should shoot your shot at that cutie at work. Check out our handy guide!

Today, we remember Officers Sandel and Fleming. While all officers who made the ultimate sacrifice are forever remembered, Officer Lisa Sandel is unique as she is the only female officer in the Dallas Police Department history who has died in the line of duty. We pray she is the last, but know that so many have made the oath, and many more will follow. Because of this, the Dallas Police Women’s Association is also making a pledge- to help the women of DPD be their absolute best by offering opportunities for training, education, and scholarships. We will also honor Officer Lisa Sandel’s legacy as a part of this plan.

Coming very soon!

“When women come together with a collective intention, magic happens.”

Congratulations to Dallas Police Officer of the Year, DPWA’s very own founding and board member Ashley “Brooke” Rios! We are so proud of her! Definitely deserved!

🤰🏼👮🏻‍♀️ 🅿️ ❤️💙❤️

Dallas police Department is becoming more and more “mom friendly!”
I’m excited to learn about new designated parking spaces for pregnant employees at HQ!

This is soooo impressive to us. Officer Bland, you are welcomed, you are our sister, you have our support, and I’m your biggest fan. Be forewarned that I’m at the same station you are assigned to and I’ll probably make it weird because that’s how I do. ❤️💙❤️

In WFAA exclusive interview, Sandra Bland's sister shares why she became a Dallas police officer Shavon Bland says her sister's controversial arrest and death was the reason she wanted to be an officer.

Can you see the DPD ladies?! ❤️ Excited to be here!

Day one kickoff and we are excited to be here with over 500 of our friends!

Let’s do this! Welcome to Fort Worth!

Thanks to our gracious host, Fort Worth Police Department!

Happy National Police Woman Day!

Our very first event, on National Police Woman Day, is fast approaching. Thank you so much to our sponsors! We couldn’t celebrate our members without you. ❤️ Sponsorship is still open, DM me for information.

We are not affiliated, but we support this organization 💯! ATO has been assisting officers since 1999. Please consider donating.

https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Dpas-Assist-The-Officer-Foundation?fbclid=IwAR02lDV4X9eTkLBGTDHoSxZmEUs8Z3J3NjqwDt8Mk582b5Ohr-JBhCSCej4_aem_AUWpeBpxhCcZVaXTovDHsOrsa2jBYEosWyue3YgZv5NMcVu_XLhXDkc5ZCl7mmANRJE

Support DPAs Assist the Officer Foundation on NTX Giving Day The Assist the Officer Foundation provides financial assistance to officers who are facing the loss of income due to a serious injury, life-threatening...

Part of our mission at the DPWA is to help our members feel included and valued, and that’s why we are celebrating them by hosting our First Annual Members Event next month! We could not do this without our generous sponsors! Thank you!

We are still accepting sponsors! Email [email protected] for more details.

Every female officer in the US should be aware of this new Federal Law. It’s a game changer for many. Please share!





https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act?fbclid=IwAR2ccp1L6zEoSU6UhyK-zTzik9TwPa6Ryi_oYGh4dMZBwXljGCcgKCr2SPE_aem_AV3iv7P-Doe03PQXf85jZBWga1-WiscZ89uBX45u8S_fDUPv3vYO_xgKj28zuiEbe5s&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

‘It’s tough on women’: Dallas Police Women’s Association aims to change department culture The new group is determined to establish a support system for women, increase their opportunities and fight a culture that can involve harassment and sexism,...

The City of Dallas infrastructure was attacked by ransomware mid-week. The city employees have had no guidance, have been given no backup plan, and almost no information on what to expect as of now, three days later, at 9:15 P.M. Thank goodness for the leadership of the unnamed few that came up with a few workarounds. This is a serious issue for officer safety in patrol. We are flying blind out there. It’s also a serious data breach incident. We have not heard a whisper from the chief of police, the mayor, or the city manager. This *should be* unacceptable, but here we are.
The citizens of Dallas deserve better.
The employees of Dallas deserve better.
The first responders of Dallas, who put their lives on the line, absolutely deserve better.
This should have never even happened. But for God’s sake- say SOMETHING.

New Blog post!



https://dpdwomen.org/f/forecast-report?fbclid=IwAR2Ctjn50PjsntMZW8ClGF73QIcq-h5m3VxLZtabpWgQKayRLQ644OWtjWs&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Forecast Report I grew up in the Ozarks. Tornados were just another sign of Spring, like bluebonnets are in Texas. My dad and I would sit on the front porch watching for them. He’d point out how the clouds and winds would shift, how the...

Extended! For a week! Share! Share!
Mother’s Day is around the corner.
Be her favorite.
Your anniversary is coming up, too!
No, I don’t really know.
Do you?!
Yeah.
Better stock up!

Please share! 20% proceeds go to DPWA!
Thank you, Kendra Scott!

ICYMI-

New women's police union aims to change law enforcement culture A Dallas police officer says a new women's police association is "kind of shaking up the boys' club a little."

Active members can now opt to use payroll deductions! Fill out the form (forms are updated on the website) in the “Join Us” section!

Dallas Police Women’s Association founded in October 2022. This site is under construction, but we just couldn’t wait to get this information out to you. Take a look at our Bylaws, Board of directors, and become a member or make a donation!

Check out the new blog section!

Are you leading or just promoting? I’ve been thinking a lot about women in law enforcement in leadership positions lately. There’s some good momentum going about it, there are great programs, training, and initiatives. We, at the DPWA, have plans of provi...

Check out our website!

Dallas Police Women’s Association founded in October 2022. This site is under construction, but we just couldn’t wait to get this information out to you. Take a look at our Bylaws, Board of directors, and become a member or make a donation!