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How can I prepare for the law enforcement field and what are things you wish you knew before becoming an agent?
As a first-year college student pursuing criminal justice, I aspire to become a federal law enforcement agent. What advice do you have for females pursuing the field? What is the hardest part of being a female in a male dominated field? In general, what is the most rewarding part of your career and what do you enjoy in your career field? #Spring2025
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Kim’s Answer
Janezka,
How correct you are to recognize it as a male-dominated field! The first thing you need to know is that men continue to do the little-boy things us ladies find irritating, gross, and offensive. You need to figure out what you will tolerate and what you will not, clearly state your boundaries, and be firm. This does not mean filing a formal complaint for every little thing. If someone steps out of line, talk to them directly. But, at the same time, don't make the boundaries so strict that any little swear word offends you. In short, be "one of the guys-" to a point. Obviously, if something is extreme, you may need to file a complaint.
Realize that ALL rookies are treated like rookies. If a supervisor is hard on you, it will make you a better officer. Is it because you are a female, or because you are a rookie? It does not matter. Understand it is for the best in the long run, and suck it up.
Guys can be fun to work with. They don't turn things into drama, they tend to not hold grudges, and they pretty much say what they mean rather than leave you guessing. Speaking in generalities, of course! They are interesting to talk with, offering a fresh perspective on whatever the topic might be.
In time, the male/female distinction fades away, and you realize you are all officers first and foremost. Brothers, and sisters, in blue.
I enjoyed lots of things - not having to deal with traffic because the hours weren't regular office hours. Not having to fret over wardrobe. Having days off mid-week, so I could run errands or go camping, all with fewer people. And the job. We DO make a difference, and, you will get some good cases where you get to see that first hand.
Good luck in your chosen career!
Kim
How correct you are to recognize it as a male-dominated field! The first thing you need to know is that men continue to do the little-boy things us ladies find irritating, gross, and offensive. You need to figure out what you will tolerate and what you will not, clearly state your boundaries, and be firm. This does not mean filing a formal complaint for every little thing. If someone steps out of line, talk to them directly. But, at the same time, don't make the boundaries so strict that any little swear word offends you. In short, be "one of the guys-" to a point. Obviously, if something is extreme, you may need to file a complaint.
Realize that ALL rookies are treated like rookies. If a supervisor is hard on you, it will make you a better officer. Is it because you are a female, or because you are a rookie? It does not matter. Understand it is for the best in the long run, and suck it up.
Guys can be fun to work with. They don't turn things into drama, they tend to not hold grudges, and they pretty much say what they mean rather than leave you guessing. Speaking in generalities, of course! They are interesting to talk with, offering a fresh perspective on whatever the topic might be.
In time, the male/female distinction fades away, and you realize you are all officers first and foremost. Brothers, and sisters, in blue.
I enjoyed lots of things - not having to deal with traffic because the hours weren't regular office hours. Not having to fret over wardrobe. Having days off mid-week, so I could run errands or go camping, all with fewer people. And the job. We DO make a difference, and, you will get some good cases where you get to see that first hand.
Good luck in your chosen career!
Kim
Thank you for everything! Appreciate all the help and advice!
Janezka
Updated
Amy’s Answer
I thought being a female in law enforcement would mean I would have to prove myself over and over, but I learned that once your fellow officers trust you, nothing else matters (sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, political affiliations, religion, etc).
I would recommend keeping up on your physical fitness. Unfortunately, as a female, we are naturally less physically strong than males, and someone you arrest is not going to play nice because you're a woman. Strength training and cardiovascular training are important.
Realize that you have a disadvantage on a stakeout when it comes to receiving yourself in an alley.
Know that they make both and women's ballistic vests for a reason. If you are a well-endowed woman, a female vest is crucial.
The most rewarding parts for me were arresting someone who had hurt a child (I specifically worked in child crimes) and hearing a jury find a defendant guilty.
Good luck on your future career!
I would recommend keeping up on your physical fitness. Unfortunately, as a female, we are naturally less physically strong than males, and someone you arrest is not going to play nice because you're a woman. Strength training and cardiovascular training are important.
Realize that you have a disadvantage on a stakeout when it comes to receiving yourself in an alley.
Know that they make both and women's ballistic vests for a reason. If you are a well-endowed woman, a female vest is crucial.
The most rewarding parts for me were arresting someone who had hurt a child (I specifically worked in child crimes) and hearing a jury find a defendant guilty.
Good luck on your future career!
Thank you for your help I genuinely appreciate it!
Janezka