The City of Phoenix Police Department takes pride in its diversified work force. We, as a police department, recognize the unique issues that pertain to females, especially females who are considering a career in Law Enforcement.

In the course of traveling to colleges and universities, attending various career fairs across the southwestern states and other recruitment functions, women who are interested in a career in Law Enforcement have similar concerns. They ask the same questions regarding child care issues, shift work, getting over the 6 ft wall, shooting a gun, or “are male officers okay working with female officers”, just to name a few. As a recruiter and female officer, I rely on my experiences to answer as many of these questions as I can. I also turned to other female officers to give you the benefit of their experience.

I have asked female officers ranging from 1 year to over 25 years of service to share their personal experiences in the hopes of providing as much insight about serving our community from a female’s perspective. Feel free to email me at linda.m.miller@phoenix.gov with any questions you may have.

Officer Linda Johnston provided this testimonial:

She became a police officer at: 41 years old.
She has been a Phoenix Police Officer for: 7 years

The biggest challenge I faced when joining the police department was being age 41 and ½! People seemed amazed that you could be allowed to be that old and start a career as an officer! Men do it all the time but apparently women aren’t supposed to. Most of my academy classmates were 15 years younger then me and a couple were the same age as one of my kids. My class Sgt. didn’t take me seriously (he was younger than me too!) until talking to my husband. Once I proved myself to everyone physically and academically, I became accepted. Being on the street, I feel my age and life experiences became a bonus in dealing with the stress of shift work and the job in general. I raised kids after all- what can be more stressful?? I know it would have been more difficult without the outstanding support of my husband. He helped where he could, advise, empathized and sometimes just listened. Family support is a huge benefit to anyone who dreams of pursuing a career in Law enforcement.

Officer Wooten provided this testimonial:

She became a police officer at: 34 years old.
She has been a phoenix Police Officer for: 7 years

Balance of family and shift work:

I came from a Monday thru Friday career, with all holidays off- to working 3 rd shift and Wednesday thru Friday off. It was a challenge - but with benefits. In my prior career, I had very little chance of getting time off for my kids and their school events. On 3 rd shift, I had any daytime available. I also had Wednesday thru Friday to volunteer in my kids’ classrooms and/or attend fieldtrips, etc. That allowed me to get to know their schools, teachers and the friends they still have in their lives today. It’s a benefit that will be felt well into their teenage years and I am very grateful for the opportunity.

Officer Wooten offers this advice:

Don’t worry about being “out there” on your own and not being able to handle a difficult situation. Only in very rare situations do officers’ find themselves needing help and not find the “cavalry” right there to back them up. As long as you have the radio, help is right around the corner.

Officer Jen Stimac gave this testimonial:

She became an officer at: 23 years of age
She has been a Phoenix Police Officer for: 11 year

Concerns from family and friends on becoming an officer

I had a mixture of reactions from friends and family with my decision to go into a law enforcement career. A majority was supportive, however a couple were skeptical I could do the job.

My father thought it would be a good learning experience, however did not think I would be able to complete the academy or FTO (Field Training Officer). I now call every year on my anniversary to remind him of this. He realized I made a good decision after he did a ride along with me and could see that I was trained well, good officer safety and could handle the job. After I graduated the academy, most of all the skeptics went away. Friends and family all showed their support and told me how proud they were/are. Overall, this career has been the best decision I ever made.

Officer Stimac offers this advice:

Take each day, one day at a time. Never let your guard down.

Officer Moyers gave this testimonial:

She became an officer at: 29 years of age
She has been a Phoenix Police officer for: 4 years

I grew up in Arizona . When I was 15 I joined the Explorer Cadets for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. I stayed with the program until I joined the military. I eventually moved to the mid west and tried for several agencies. I was glad I made it on the Phoenix P.D. Phoenix is more accepting of the diversity, especially with women. The department recognizes a job well done, no matter who did it. The department doesn’t hold to the old cliché of “Police work is a man’s job”.

Officer Moyers offers this advice:
Be prepared mentally and physically. Prior military is beneficial, also college (at least an AA degree), and “life Experience”.

Detective Piano gave this testimonial:

She became an officer at: 33 years of age.
She has been a Phoenix Police Officer for: 11 years

My name is Detective Claudia Piano, and I’ve been a Phoenix Police Officer for 11 years. I’m currently 44 years old and have a wonderful daughter, who will turn 21 this month! Prior to my position with Phoenix , I was a police officer in Shreveport , Louisiana . As each year passes in my career, I continue to be proud of this profession as well as the diverse community that I work with in Phoenix .

When I was growing up, I never really thought of a career in law enforcement. Probably, because since I was a girl, nobody ever suggested it to me! But, I remember that I always admired police officers and thought that it was an honorable profession. I didn’t immediately pursue this career. Instead, I got married and had a daughter. I was very busy with my family and had many jobs over several years. I became a tour guide at a National Historic Landmark, a waitress, aerobic instructor, and ran a small catering business, (Not all at once, of course!) I also enjoyed doing all the “mom” stuff. I was a girl scout troop leader, the room mother, attended field trips and baked for the bake sales.

One day I sat down to think about what type of activities I’d like to do each day, and what I wanted from a career. On my list I included working with people, diverse job functions, working outdoors, staying physically fit, advancement opportunities, benefits, good salary and an opportunity to continue with my education. I also knew that I desired a challenging and stimulating work environment, and an opportunity to help people.

How fortunate I have been to find my career in law enforcement with the City of Phoenix , because I can honestly say that I have met and exceeded every goal on my list!

After graduating from the Academy, I began my career as a patrol officer. Often times people think that all officers do is pursue and arrest people. Actually, our day consists of far more listening, mediating, and assisting people in distressing situations.

After several years, I applied for a position on the department bike squad. I worked with many neighborhood associations, community leaders, and made several Block Watch presentations.

My career continued with the position as a Background Investigator in employment services, a detective in our Sex Offender Notification Unit, and finally, a detective in our Crimes Against Children Unit. Throughout my varied positions, I’ve also continued with my education. In September, 2005 I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University . While I did all the work to obtain the degree, the Phoenix Police Department paid the majority of my tuition, as one of the many benefits my employment offers.

I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most dedicated and talented individuals, and look forward to a long career. Law Enforcement continues to be rewarding and challenging as we learn, evolve, and adapt to an ever-changing society.