By Charlie G. Patreus
In a significant milestone for gender diversity in law enforcement, the Utah Valley University Police Academy saw a record number of female cadets graduate this year. Out of the total graduating cohort of 28 cadets, six were women, representing 21% of the class. This figure is double the number of female graduates in any previous year since the academy’s establishment in 1996.
The statistics from Utah Valley University (UVU) are particularly noteworthy considering the national average of sworn women police officers stands at 13%, with only a 3% increase since the 1970s. Leaders in law enforcement across the country are increasingly recognizing the advantages of recruiting, training, and promoting more female officers.
John McCombs, director of UVU’s Police Academy, highlights the significant impact female officers can have as communicators, particularly in addressing violence against women and sex crimes. Their empathetic approach and ability to de-escalate intense situations contribute to their effectiveness.
The concept of empathy plays a crucial role in police de-escalation training. McCombs explains that finding a way to relate to individuals and establishing effective communication is the starting point for the entire de-escalation process.
Mellanie Seamons, a UVU Police Academy graduate who now serves as a Provo police officer, echoes this sentiment. She emphasizes that women often possess nurturing qualities and are more inclined to engage in conversations with people.
A 2014 study from the University of Zurich supports the notion that female victims of sexual assault or violence feel more comfortable reporting their experiences to female police officers.
Seamons further elaborates on the significance of female officers in cases involving victims of sexual assault, stating, “A lot of people will get the information they need and pass it on to where it needs to go, but I try to make sure the victims know, ‘you aren’t alone in this, and none of this is your fault, you did not do anything to deserve this.'”
Both McCombs and Seamons note that children also tend to feel more drawn to women in law enforcement. Seamons, who has worked on sex crime investigations in collaboration with the Utah Department of Child and Family Services, explains that 90% of children prefer speaking to either a female social worker or a female police officer.
Research indicates that female officers contribute to better police-community relations, are less likely to use excessive force, face fewer complaints and lawsuits, and are perceived as more honest and compassionate.
The UVU Police Academy, a satellite of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), is committed to providing professional law enforcement training through state-of-the-art learning models, advanced technology, and best practices in public safety. The academy’s experienced staff, including local police officers, attorneys, and specialists, ensure that cadets receive comprehensive training in areas such as criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms, investigation, terrorism, and scenario-based exercises. This rigorous preparation equips graduates to serve as police officers, investigators, or parole/probation officers in any police department in the state of Utah.
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