For the first time, the Virginia Police Department has five female officers

On the walls of the Virginia Police Department, there are pictures of officers who have served and protected the Queen City. There are very few women in the photos. But that is changing.

“I’m the first female chief, and the third police woman on the department,” shared Chief Nicole Mattson.

She’s proud to share that including her, there are five female officers on the department right now.

Back in the day, she was the only one. “From across other departments, they’d call you on the radio, and say, do you have a female officer working, we need your assistance.”

The group on the Range is much larger now. And they do get together.

Kassy Slowinski just marked three years with the department. “I love night shifts and making arrests. Specifically working traffic, and DUIs. It’s a passion of mine, making our roads safe.”

Madi Sand has seven months under her belt. “I like getting out there and talking to the public, engaging in conversations. And letting people know we are here to help them out, and be there for them.”

The newest, is Ella Del Greco. She joined the force in July, and is still in her Field Training Officer program.

“Patrolling is fun, because someone’s always doing something. We stop by the schools in the mornings, when we can. And every day is different,” she shared.

It’s a profession about people. Katie Kral is a narcotics investigator who is on loan to the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (North). Her inspiration for becoming a police officer comes from her own survival story.

“When I was 11, I was a victim of a kidnapping and carjacking. When I got this job, all I wanted to do was help people. And make a difference. And maybe prevent what happened to me, from happening to somebody else,” she shared.

A mix of men and women in uniform mirrors what our society looks like in general.

“I think women bring a different atmosphere to the job. We’re not huge men showing up at these calls. Maybe we can de-escalate things differently than men can,” Del Greco added.

Their chief is very proud to work with everyone on the department.

“As a team, the more diversified you are, the more successful you are handling a case. I have a wonderful group of people, and thoroughly enjoy every one of them,” Mattson said.

They are hiring, if you want to join the department! https://www.virginiapd.com/

Nationally, about 12% of the law enforcement officers in this country are women.