Women in Blue Honorees 2011 – 2018
“What is required of a person to serve as a police officer, equal
parts guardian and defender, to run towards danger when
others are running away?” asks Sara Napoli, president and
CEO of the San Diego Police Foundation. “I might describe it
as nerves of steel. Though traditionally viewed as a masculine
characteristic, our women in blue demonstrate that courage
knows no gender.”
That courage also translates into the willingness to go where
women have rarely tread, into careers where they are among
the few females in any room, or patrol car. According to the U.S.
Department of Justice women constitute just 11.2 percent of
sworn officers in local police departments. It is therefore notable
and encouraging that the San Diego Police Department (SDPD)
has risen from 14 percent female sworn officers in 2011 to 21
percent today.
SDPD is a step ahead on many fronts, including having had a
female police chief and instituting a community-oriented policing
approach.
Community-oriented police departments function at their
best when they reflect the people they serve. SDPD is a good
example since its personnel represents the characteristics of the
diverse population of the region. Yet, despite rapid recruitment
and retention of female officers and a commendable success
rate, it is still not at parity with the community, which is roughly
50 percent female.
To support SDPD’s continuing commitment to be America’s
Finest police department, the Police Foundation presents the
annual Women in Blue luncheon. This is closely aligned with
the Police Foundation’s mission to ensure that San Diego’s
sworn officers and their civilian colleagues at SDPD have what
they need to do their jobs safely and with excellence. This is
accomplished by engaging the community in funding much-
needed equipment and training that is beyond what the city
budget can readily provide.
Symbolizing trust, honor and strength, blue is the color of the
San Diego Police Department’s uniform. It is also the hue most
often worn by top business leaders. Today many women wear
this color of power in business and have leadership roles in
myriad fields, but it was not always so.
Even today women who choose careers in law enforcement
are rare. These women are trailblazers and their path as well
as their chosen profession requires uncommon courage. To
recognize their leadership and dedication the Police Foundation
honors them at Women in Blue. By telling their stories and by
providing scholarships to women who aspire to a career in law
enforcement or criminal justice, the Police Foundation intends to
inspire the next generation of women in blue.
The 9th Annual Women in Blue Luncheon, “Nerves of Steel”
will take place at 11:30 am, Wednesday, March 7, 2019 at the
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel.
For more information, visit www.sdpolicefoundation.org.
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