10 Ways Law Enforcement Ruined Me As a Woman

We are not your typical definition of “feminine.”

It is tough for a woman to survive in a profession that is mainly associated known to be a man’s job. As police officers, women get a lot of expectations and stereotypes about who they are and what they should be. Although some of these stereotypes have faded through time, there are still some who see us as if we are from an entirely different world.

Being a police officer changes you a lot. From the way you think, speak, and even dress. The transformation is more than just skin-deep. At times, our femininity gets lost in the way. Some would say that we have lost refinement because the job has hardened us. But we are trying our best to keep our femininity and womanhood intact as we take on this rewarding job.

When it comes to societal views, here are ten ways law enforcement challenged me as a woman:

  •      My fashion sense is compromised

As a police officer, we are required to wear uniforms to look professional and trustworthy. Also, it will be impractical to wear anything else besides the ones we’re given. Our pants are tailor-made for active use and are typically in earth tone colors. It is also necessary for us to wear vests, which do not flatter our figures. We don’t get to wear accessories, except for the shiny metal attachments on our collars and pockets. If we can count the brooch we have as jewelry, we are thrilled to have it. We wear tactical boots that come in black. The good thing is that we can choose from different styles. Our hair? We don’t get to let it down because we have to keep it tidy. We always have to be physically fit; that is why I have more workout clothes than my wardrobe. If you run through my closet, you might get bored with the little fashion-sense I have. But I take pride in my collection of good hiking boots and running shoes.

  • I like shiny accessories that come in gunmetal gray

Other girls are raving about a handbag, while I look at the gun aisles. To me, this is my obsession. I am more excited to see holsters or looking around the hunting sections of a store than fitting cute shoes. While other women shop for clothes, I buy for ammo. These things excite me!

  • I am no damsel in distress

I don’t need anyone to take care of me because I can take care of myself, and others as well. All thanks to the training we had over the years and practical application through years of being in the service, I can protect myself from bad people. I don’t invite trouble though. I defend myself and others if the need arises.

  • Female cops have character

Don’t get me wrong. I totally think this is an attractive trait a woman can have. However, a lot of people get intimidated and shy away from us. That is why we get to date the most courageous men out there who are not afraid to make the first move on us.

  • I am good at voice projection

I am good at crowd control, especially if the kids are running wild. Everyone stops with my command. With my voice, I can rattle anyone and make them stay. This can be very effective at home when you have toddlers who keep running around.

  • People treat me as one of the dads and consults with me for decisions

Although I think it’s good that people see me as someone, they can count on for sound decisions. Sometimes I want to be at the back of the hall unnoticed. But this is not the case during PTA meetings when parents ask for your opinion, in a chorus.

  • I become socially-awkward

I enjoy people’s company, but there are days when my anti-social self gets the better of me. People get distracted by my lack of eye contact when talking to them. But don’t confuse it with disrespect, I am just busy scanning the place for any threat and looking for suspicious bystanders.

  • Book club meetings and tea parties don’t excite me

I don’t want to be put in a situation where it would be necessary to wear a dress or anything too girly for my liking. We like outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. We get dirty every once, and a while and outdoor sports are my things. Dresses and parasols or sun bonnets are simply not in my list of exciting things.

  • Sometimes I channel my inner truck driver

Although people think our sound is harsh and rough, we are not sorry about it. It may be too direct for your preference. Honestly, it can involve slang and a lot of graphic cursing. Our language can be a language that your grandmothers would not approve of. It can shock conservative parents out there. But this is who we are, and it does not lessen the fact that we are women regardless of what comes out of our mouths. Believe me when I say that we try hard not to spit these words, but they come out naturally sometimes.

  • I like camouflage

Believe it or not, it is true. I like camouflage in different colors, even pink. I love wearing warrior clothing and don’t be surprised to see lots of it in my wardrobe. Superhero emblems, skull logos, and warrior symbols are fashionable in my eyes, and I like them in various materials.

I am a total woman, regardless of these influences on my personality. I love wearing makeup and strutting beautiful heels and dresses. I have manicure and pedicure often. A trip to the spa excites me. I may not be your typical definition of feminine, but in my heart and soul, I am. I cry and laugh at any other women do. I still love it when a man opens the door for me. Female cops love romance, but we can also put you in bars in seconds, so be careful not to mess around us.