WOMEN LEADERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT: Unity Resilience Valor
Over eight hundred women and men, of all rank and level, gathered in Monterey November 5-7, 2017 for the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium( WLLE). The attendees came to learn, be inspired and to network. This year’ s symposium theme, Unity, Resilience and Valor, was reemphasized by speakers such as Retired Naval Captain Charlie Plumb, Detective Kim Bogucki, Retired Officer Julie Werhnyak and Chief Deanna Cantrell. The high-level training this year featured presentations on leadership, critical incident survival, and promotional opportunities for law enforcement, as well as many other exciting topics.“ This conference was outstanding; the workshops and panels were inspiring. Thank you CPCA for hosting what some are saying was the best training they’ ve ever attended.” Chief Amy Christey, Pacific Grove Police Department.
The idea of bringing women together to exchange ideas, training, struggles and triumphs began in 1987. Two women, Los Gatos Police Captain Alana Forrest and Menlo Park Police Commander Lacey Burt, met in a restaurant with 20 other female law enforcement professionals to discuss how to help each other in their profession. In 2006, the California Police Chiefs Association took the event statewide. WLLE is much more than a“ conference for women”, it has grown over the years and hosts over 800 men and women each year.“ The WLLE conference is a wonderful event for both men and women in law enforcement. It’ s a great opportunity to learn new leadership skills and network with exceptional leaders within our profession. It was an honor and privilege to support our fellow female leaders at the event. I also enjoyed conversing with new and old friends, and learning how they plan on making their departments’ more dynamic and progressive in the future.” Lieutenant Chris Wagner, Riverside Police Department.
Lieutenant Maria Munayer from the Pleasanton Police Department was the recipient of this year’ s Trail Blazer award which is presented annually to a woman working in law enforcement( sworn or professional) who has made outstanding contributions to her profession and / or professional organization.“ We place extraordinary value on the critical contributions of women in our profession. The conference also has an energy, cohesiveness, and level of candor that is valuable for all of us in public service. I am glad for an opportunity to be part of what the conference represents.” Chief Richard Lucero, Fremont Police Department.
The Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium would not be possible if not for our generous sponsors; American Military University, CAHP Credit Union, U. S. Armor, Union University, Jones & Mayer, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, Cambridge Financial, Sun Ridge Systems, University of San Diego, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Rudd and Romo, Saint Mary’ s College, CNOA, Bay Area Regional Rapid Transit, ScholarShare 529, San Jose Police Department, Carmel Police Officers Association, Contra Costa County Police Chiefs Association, Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association, Marin County Police Chiefs Association, Monterey Police Officers Association, Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriff Association, San Bernardino Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association, San Diego County Chief ' s and Sheriff ' s Association, San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association, Santa Clara County Police Chiefs ' Association, and the Seaside Police Officers Association.
A huge thank you to the Region 9 police department’ s and Monterey County sheriff for hosting this year’ s WLLE. The 2018 Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium planning is already underway! We hope you will join us in Palm Springs October 21-23, 2018. ■