Female cops recognized for their contributions with day of honor

September 13, 2022
5:37 am

DUTCHESS COUNTY – National Police Woman Day is celebrated annually on September 12th and is observed to acknowledge the service and contributions of female police officers in the United States to their communities. In 1908, records indicate that Lola Baldwin broke the barrier by becoming the first female sworn police officer, after being hired in Portland, Oregon.

National Police Woman Day celebrates women in law enforcement and their accomplishments. Women make up approximately 10% of all police officers across the nation but have been a part of policing in America since Lola Baldwin took her oath.

In Dutchess County, the Town of Pawling recognized town councilwoman Corinne Pitt, an investigator with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. Unlike most sheriff’s agencies throughout the state, Putnam County considers the sheriff a department even though it is an elected office.

Town of Fishkill Police Chief Keith Dworkin has several female officers in his command and is grateful for their service. “Being a diversified department is important because it enables it to serve the community’s various needs. Our valued female officers play an integral part in helping meet the needs of the town.” Chief Dworkin did note that officers are not classified based on their sex. “Police departments do not differentiate between male and female officers because we all work together and we’re all cops.” The leader of the diversified department added that public perception of female officers has benefits. Our well-qualified and dedicated female officers tend to be viewed as less threatening than their male counterparts, giving them a slight advantage in diffusing certain situations, continuing by adding “More importantly, their unique life experience provides them with an inner strength that should never be underestimated.”

Two of the Town of Fishkill’s female officers weighed in on the day dedicated to them. “I think with changing times and the need for patience and communication over brawn, women have become more of an asset to the field,” said Officer Kelly Aluisio, adding, ” I think we are better communicators, we’re quick thinking, and problem solvers. Not that men aren’t but times have changed in this profession.”

Town of Fishkill Police Sergeant Jenn Farrell, 1 16-year veteran of law enforcement and highest-ranking female in the department told Mid-Hudson News that having female officers is one more way a diversified department helps the community they serve. “Law enforcement should employ a representation of the community in which they serve. Female officers provide that much-needed representation.” With 13 years as a Fishkill cop, Farrell also addressed the importance of addressing the changing times, saying “Female officers provide a positive perspective to policing, which addresses modern-day police reforms while providing an added level of comfort to those requesting help in sensitive situations. We (female officers) provide one more tool that departments can deploy to foster police-community relations.”