Photo: Courtesy New York City Police Museum

1935: Police Commissioner Valentine
Orders Policewomen to Shoot Guns

In 1891, the New York Police Department hired its first four "police matrons" in response to pressure from the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Women’s Prison Association. By 1896, the NYPD employed 30 women. In 1918, the first six "policewomen" were appointed, and a woman named Mrs. Ellen O’Grady was appointed the first female Deputy Commissioner. In 1934, Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia appointed Lewis J. Valentine police commissioner. In 1935, he ordered policewomen to start wearing a police uniform, as well as to learn how to shoot guns. In 1943, women were issued the first combination gun and make-up bags, and were advised to use their guns as sparingly as they would use lipstick. Since 1973, policewomen have been official police officers, and male and female officers have worn the same uniform and shield, received the same assignments, and held the same titles. NYPD policewomen are shown here in an undated photo.

–Cynthia Blair