Upholding the Shield: Celebrating National Police Woman’s Day, September 12
Voice of Kelly A. Nee Chief Safety, Security,& Preparedness Officer, Boston University
National Police Woman’s Day, celebrated on September 12th, is a day that celebrates and recognizes the contributions and achievements of women in law enforcement.
Unfortunately, it also highlights the challenges they face and the progress that still needs to be made.
It’s a day to acknowledge the historical struggles women have faced in entering and excelling in the field of law enforcement. Today women make up approximately 12% of the police workforce. Those numbers dwindle to a mere 3% when we talk about women police executives. In a predominantly male-dominated profession, women have had to overcome gender biases, stereotypes, and discrimination to prove their capabilities and worth.
This day honors the women who paved the way for future generations of women in law enforcement, reminding us of their courage and determination.
This day sheds light on the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the field of policing. According to a 2020 CNN report, women officers are less likely to face sustained allegations of excessive force, cost cities less in civil lawsuits, are the subject of fewer citizen complaints, and injure suspects less. Women officers often emphasize community-oriented policing, empathy, and effective communication as essential components of law enforcement. Women police executive leadership styles prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and building trust with the community, resulting in more effective and sustainable crime prevention strategies.
“Women officers often emphasize community-oriented policing, empathy, and effective communication as essential components of law enforcement.”
It’s not only women that are noticing the contributions women make to police departments. Today over two hundred law enforcement agencies have taken the 30X30 pledge, vowing to increase the number of women in departments to 30% by 2030. This goal is ambitious. Our police department’s new chief, Rob Lowe, is committed to making our police department reflective of the community we serve. I look forward to collaborating with him on this endeavor.
About the author: Kelly A. Nee was appointed as Boston University’s inaugural Chief Safety, Security & Preparedness Officer in January 2023. She initially joined BU as the institution’s first female chief of police in May 2017. With a distinguished 33-year career at the Boston Police Department, she advanced to the position of Deputy Superintendent in the Bureau of Intelligence and Analysis.
Presently, Kelly plays an integral role on the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes. Additionally, she represents the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) on the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC).
Kelly’s dedication to safety, security, and equity underscores her commitment to effecting positive change in the field of law enforcement and beyond.
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