Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/1731
AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: MAY 2009 69 W ith the num- ber of women working as law enforcement professionals continuing to rise across the United States, new associations are being created to help them in their careers through mentoring, education, training, and support from fellow offi cers, both female and male. A strong example of such an organization can be found in the Massachusetts As- sociation of Women in Law Enforcement (or MAWLE), established in 2004. The group was formed from two smaller groups working together from the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston and Brook- line, MA, Police Depart- ments. The group supports female officers in the Common- wealth through a wide va- riety of activities, including training events, one-to-one mentoring, an annual con- ference, and by providing a forum for women working in law enforcement and supporters to discuss the is- sues affecting their everyday work lives, among others. One of its over 450 current members is Essex County Sheriff 's Deputy Jennifer Coale. MAWLE's 2007 confer- ence, which centered around women in the military, was of special signifi cance to her as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard who was deployed at the time in Iraq. While there, she received over 70 care packages from her fellow members. Once returned from duty, she found their stateside support to be just as plenti- ful, transcending barriers of rank and department as they reached out to support her, as her "second family that knows what every woman goes through every day on the job." President and co-founder Sgt. Pamela Besold, a 13-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police, emphasizes that the group reaches out to civilian as well as sworn law enforcement person- nel, helping to bridge what has long been a traditional barrier for unity in police organizations, and encour- aging women to take full advantage of all opportuni- ties available to them within their profession. Their next annual confer- ence, at Harvard University on June 19th, will focus on individual fi nance, the in- crease in crime due to eco- nomic problems, and how the stresses of modern law enforcement can hit home, among other topics. For more information on MAWLE, their activities, and other info, visit their website at www.mawle.org. Strength through numbers: women in policing It's not easy being on the job and a woman but it's a heck of a lot easier if you have someone to reach out to Circle number 73 on the Reader Service Card. T E I J I N A R A M I D U S A , I N C . / 8 0 1 - F B L AC K L AW N ROA D / C O N Y E R S , G A 3 0 0 1 2 / T E L ( 8 0 0 ) 4 5 1 - 6 5 8 6 / FA X ( 7 7 0 ) 9 2 9 - 8 1 3 8 / w w w. t e i j i n a r a m i d . c o m Protective vests and helmets made with Twaron Microfilament fibers combine the qualities you're looking for... superior protection, unencumbered mobility, and personal comfort. With lighter weight, higher tenacity and higher performance, Twaron products are built to withstand incredible stress and ballistic force while offering maximum comfort. The only way to get this standard of protection and comfort is to ask for Twaron by name. When taking cover and comfort in your line of duty — specify