If you're a woman and thinking about a career in law enforcement, don't let anyone convince you it's not a job for women. There are still a lot of men out there who think women can't be just as good as police officers as men. They couldn't be more wrong. In fact, I think most of the male officers who don't want women on the force are only being that way because they're afraid a woman will actually be better at the job and make them look bad, even though they'll say it's because they're afraid the woman will "fall apart" at a critical moment. There are still departments out there, mostly smaller ones, where it's still a "boy's club". If you really want to get into law enforcement, don't let these guys scare you away.
      The same requirements and academic standards apply to both both men and women. You'll have to check your local police academies for these requirements. Women don't receive any special treatment when they go through training. You have to be just as tough and physically fit as the men. You have to be able to learn the procedures and put them into practice. As wrong as it is, you may even have to be a little tougher. There may be some instructors who're tougher on the women. Training isn't easy for anyone. While you may find it isn't as physically or mentally challenging as other people, the academy will often push you to your limits to make sure you can handle the pressures of the job.
     Some of you may feel like a job in law enforcement is the career you want to pursue, but aren't sure what area is the best fit your talents or abilities. There are many good sites on the internet that describe the education and training needed for the various jobs. Check them out by typing "law enforcement careers" or "police careers" in your favorite search engine. Once you narrow down your choices to a few that seem the most interesting to you, talk to the police in your town, your high school guidance councilor, and visit the websites of colleges and police academies. These people and places should be able to help you find the school which will provide the training you need. Before enrolling in any school, make sure that school has degrees or certificates which are accepted by the police department.
      I encourage women when they tell me they want to work in law enforcement. As long as you can handle the pressure, go for it. Don't worry about the few "good old boys", they're in the minority ... at least I hope so. Every police officer should be rated on their own skills and abilities and not some false preconceived notion that women are highly emotional and physically weak. I know men who couldn't make the cut and women who could. If you feel law enforcement is the right career for you, go after it.