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APD hosts training session to recruit more women into the department
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Historically, jobs in law enforcement have been considered male-dominated, which is why the 'Women In Blue' over at APD are encouraging other women in the community to grab a seat at the table. They hope to inspire the next generation of female officers.
Twenty years ago, Lt. Jennifer Garcia left her former career as a counselor to become a police officer when there weren't many opportunities for women. 'We need to have a seat at the table,' shared Garcia.
It took decades for women to have the ability to move up the ranks and take on the same roles as their male counterparts, which has deterred women from seeing themselves in those positions. 'We don't have any problem recruiting male applicants, but sometimes female applicants are a little more apprehensive,' explained APD Sgt. Chermain Carter.
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According to the National Policing Institute, 50 years ago, there were fewer than a thousand female police officers. Fast forward to today, in 2025, there are about 13% or 96,000 women.
APD is hoping to change that narrative in the metro. 'In today's world, women are moving into more non-traditional female jobs, occupations, and we definitely want to see that continue,' said Garcia.
Saturday's Women In Blue event was all about inspiring and recruiting future female officers. Participants received first-hand knowledge about the job, the application, and the recruitment process from current female officers. And their physical capabilities were put to the test for the job.
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'The event is intended to leave them walking away with a sense of newfound strength, and maybe they could surprise themselves with what they can do physically. That's what we are hoping that get out of it,' shared Carter.
Over the years, events like this have helped boost female recruitment by 18% withinthe Albuquerque Police Department. To learn more about employment opportunities, click here.
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