There have been many influential women in policing that have set the path for

the women officers today, for instance Alice Stebbin Wells. Wells was our nations first

sworn in policewoman, joining the L.A.P.D in 1910. As a graduate of theology and

social work, Wells believed that there was a need for women in modern policing. After

being sworn in she was assigned to Leo Marden in juvenile probation, later on given

much more responsibility. After time Wells duties were extended and she was able to

enforce laws, in places such as dance halls, skating rinks, and penny movies. Later she

started to tour cities to promote women in policing, and she then created the

International Association of Women Police, in 1915. In addition to this Wells served as

the President for the Women Peace Officer’s Association of California. Some of her

other influences include the policewoman badge, when she was first sworn in she was

given a males badge, and later received the first women's badge, and also she

designed her own uniform, which she wore for formal occasions. As you can see Alice

was an extremely influential person in the world of women’s policing, but it certainly did

not end with her.

Another influential policewoman was Josephine Serran, she was the first female

Hispanic to graduate from the academy. Josephine was hired and sent to the Lincoln

Heights Jail in Los Angeles. Although she was forced to retire on disability, it is shown

that she had many fond memories, such as saving a mother and her child, and meeting

her husband.

In Detroit in 1919, no