In the United States, the National Police Woman Day is celebrated annually on 12th September and it is a day which acknowledges and recognize the contribution made by the female police officers who enforce law and order around the country.
As of today only 10% of the total US police force is made up of women so this day also encourages more women around the country to join the police force and serve the people.
So along with expressing gratitude to these female officers, the day also hopes for a future where law enforcement bodies will have a stronger female representation.
| Event | National Police Woman Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 12, 2022 |
| Day | Monday |
| Significance | Honors and recognizes the contributions of female police officers |
| Observed by | United States |
National Police Woman Day History:
In 1854, the first police matrons were hired by New York City police department to search and guard female prisoners, but they were civilians with no law enforcement authority. The role became quite popular among women and many started applying for similar positions in various parts of the United States.
The first policewoman in the United States was most likely Marie Owens. She was hired by the Chicago Police Department in 1891. As women were already working as matrons but they lacked authority to arrest but Owens did have that authority. Alice Wells was hired by the Los Angeles police department in 1910 and was the first American-born woman police officer in the United States. As Owens had been born in Canada.
Wells was a college graduate, a social worker, and had deliberately sought the position of a police officer. She soon became a pioneer in the national movement to have police departments hire women as officers.
However, that did not really happen, as women were hired by quotas. This means they regularly faced discrimination, silent contempt, sexism at the workplace, and other double standards by their male counterparts and also by public.
Later this all changed with various court fights, movements and new laws introduced in the country. And today policewomen are involved in all aspects regarding police works.
National Police Woman Day Significance:
As a lot have changed in recent times but as of now only 10% of the US police force is made up of female police officers reflects a bias that still exists. As women does not feel comfortable to join police force still and our mentality as a society has a huge role in it.
It is seen that even today when women enjoys equal rights in almost all of the professions but in professions like armed forces and police they are still very neglected and deemed as unfit by the general society. And this results in lack of respect for women working as police officers by both their male counterparts and general public which is a major factor for their low participation. Hence this day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding this issue and also tells the people to pay respect to women police officers.
One more thing can be paying factor as it is seen that women are often paid less than their male counterparts and even in 10% of women officers in the police force many few women only gets higher positions do this shows that there is still a lot of discrimination which needs to be solved as equal participation of women is very important for any society towards women empowerment.
Further this day also provides a hope for all the girls and women in the country who are aspiring to be a police officer and it encourages them to pursue police officers as a profession and that they are ensured that they will be provided with all support and facilities as there are continuing efforts being done in improving the police department for women and in recent times it has seen a great progress.
National Police Woman Day Celebrations:
National Police Woman Day is a day dedicated to honoring women in the police force. Send a message of thanks to a policewoman, or give them a shoutout on social media. Otherwise you can also send them gifts and greeting on this day at police departments.
Actually, the celebrations take place within the police departments and communities each year. Police challenge coins with exclusive honor elements are given to women in the police force, which recognize their dedication and outstanding achievements and also highlight the female roles in law enforcement. Moreover, there are many communities that would choose some funny police coins to show thanks to their women in blue who protect the safety and order of the locals. They are priceless tokens of appreciation and trust. If you are involved in one of the celebration activities, check out GS-JJ to create your police challenge coins to appreciate, commemorate, and award on this day!
This day is also an awareness campaign so try to raise more and more awareness regarding it so that we can truly achieve women empowerment through the equal participation of women in law enforcement.
Explore on the internet through various websites searching for the information regarding the contribution made by all the brave police officers and make others aware about it too. One example is of the International Association of Women Police. This group works for a stronger role for women in law enforcement. Find out how you can advocate for women’s role in law enforcement and play your part in helping this cause.
Most Searched FAQs on National Police Woman Day:
1. When is National Police Woman Day is celebrated?
National Police Woman Day is celebrated annually on 12th September in US.
2. Who is known as the first female police officer in United States?
Marie Owens is known as the first policewoman officer in United States when she was hired by Chicago Police Department in 1891.
3. Is there a National Day for Police?
On October 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as a day to honor police officers.