What’s it like to be a female police officer or a civilian woman in law enforcement?
We asked some of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s female leaders, sworn officers and civilian employees why they chose a career in law enforcement, how gender influences their approach to their jobs, and how being female can be a direct advantage that helps them shine in a male-dominated field.
Here are their stories.
Lieutenant Tamilla Gibbs | North Tryon Division
With CMPD Since 2010
How does your gender influence your approach and how you interact with the public?
It motivates me to break stereotypes and misconceptions about women having important roles in a male-dominated profession.
Have you ever faced a situation where your gender has been a direct advantage?
As a young patrol officer, I learned I could de-escalate a situation with the way I spoke to and empathized with citizens. When responding to domestic violence calls, victims and children were more comfortable speaking to me about their crisis. These experiences helped me develop as a young officer, which helped me in the future. Eventually, I took on the role as a domestic violence liaison within the division I worked in at the time. Later, I became a detective with the Crimes Against Children Unit.
What impact do you hope to have on future generations of female officers?
My goal is to empower the future generation of female officers. I want to represent change and possibilities within the law enforcement profession. I hope my impact will inspire all women to step into the role boldly, confidently and with a strong desire to take on the challenge of being part of the change in our community.
Elyse May, Supervisor | Communications Services
With CMPD Since 2022
What interested you in a career in law enforcement?
I was interested in a career in law enforcement for as long as I can remember. I have always been drawn to criminal justice topics in TV shows, movies and books. This, coupled with a desire to help others, followed me into my adult life and onto this career path. I grew up with only brothers. I always followed in their footsteps and never second-guessed that my gender would set me apart or hold me back from accomplishing my goals.
What led you to the position you’re in now?
I was previously a gang / cartel intelligence analyst for the State of Texas. Prior to that, I worked with the U.S. Marshals on human trafficking research and fugitive investigations. When I moved back to the East Coast, I wanted to find a position within law enforcement that would allow me to work and help on a more localized level.
Are there unique challenges or opportunities for women in your profession?
There are so many unique opportunities for women in our profession, both on the sworn and civilian sides. Within my division, we have an all-female civilian management team. I am proud and honored to be part of it.
Christy Price, Supervisor | Crime Scene Investigations
With CMPD Since 2002
What interested you in a career in law enforcement?
My father retired from CMPD Police, so I have a history around law enforcement and admire the immense sense of purpose. I want what I do every day to matter, whether it is big (like helping solve a murder) or small (being kind to everyone I encounter throughout the day).
What led you to the position you’re in now?
I studied forensic anthropology in college. Not only was it something I loved, but I was good at it. That led me to search for a profession in forensics.
CMPD CSI Unit employees are not sworn. Instead, we are civilian employees. This was ideal for me because I did not want to be an officer, but I wanted to do forensic field work. I joined CMPD in 2002, spent 10 years as a CSI and nine as a CSI supervisor. This is my second year over the CSI Unit. I am incredibly grateful for such a journey.
What do you enjoy most about working in law enforcement?
Every day is different and I never feel stagnant in growing as a CSI or a human. We experience many physically hard days and many more mentally hard days. The strength, courage, knowledge and talent that show up during these times make me proud and grateful to work with such amazing people.
Detective Joi Emmanuel | Metro Division
With CMPD Since 2015
What led you to the position you’re in now?
Before I became a police officer, I was a crime scene investigator. I enjoyed collecting evidence and learning how a crime occurred. When I became sworn, I knew I wanted to investigate crimes and bring justice to the victim.
What do you enjoy most about working in law enforcement?
When I come to work, it is always something new. Your day is never the same.
What advice do you have for women considering a career in law enforcement?
If policing is what you want to do, be confident and passionate. Always stay humble and be willing to learn every day. Never let anyone set limitations for you.
Kelly Alvarez, Manager | Communications Division
With CMPD Since 2010
What interested you in a career in law enforcement?
Growing up, I watched “COPS” with my papa. I knew I didn’t want to be a police officer. I wanted to be that voice you heard on the theme song giving out the call. The voice you heard over the radio throughout the show providing officers information. I studied business in college and worked in insurance and banking. But I knew my real passion was in 911 communications. In time I went for it, and haven’t looked back since.
What led you to the position you’re in now?
After leaving my initial career and taking the chance to become a 911 call taker, I knew this was my path. I felt fulfilled in my work serving the community and being part of this organization. I worked hard to become a dispatcher, a supervisor and an operations manager.
CMPD chose to civilianize the department head of Communications. This was instead of having a sworn captain over the division (the past several of whom were male). I became the first female Communications Division manager and 911 PSAP director.
Have you ever faced a situation where your gender has been a direct advantage?
Yes. I am the manager of a division that is about 80 percent female. I believe that’s a big advantage for leading other females and promoting their growth and development.
Letes Maldonado, Quality Assurance Analyst | Communications Division
With CMPD Since 2019
What do you enjoy most about working in law enforcement?
I work with amazing, confident women every day, both in the room and on the field. It is inspiring to see how these women handle their assignments and have energy for their many other roles outside of this job.
Have you ever seen a situation where gender has been a direct advantage?
Having a female influence in law enforcement provides a different perspective and brings a diverse approach to the job. These women serve as role models for other women and contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive working environment.
Officer Jasmine Nivens | Recruitment Division
With CMPD Since: 2014
What do you enjoy most about working in law enforcement?
I have always had a desire to serve, and this job gives me the opportunity to do so. I love the variety a career in law enforcement offers. You can progress through the ranks without ever changing employers. This is especially true working for a large police department. For example, you could start your career as a patrol officer. Then, you could be a school resource officer and then a detective.
How does your gender influence your approach and how you interact with the public?
By nature, many women are nurturing and caring. In a male-dominated field, we are able to bring a leveling factor to many scenes. Don’t confuse this with being “too kind” or “too soft,” though. Women still bring a “command presence” to scenes.
Have you ever faced a situation where your gender has been a direct advantage?
I have had many calls for service where my gender has been an advantage. This is particularly true on calls with female victims or calls involving children.
Officer Ashley Phillips | Central Division
With CMPD Since: 2010
What do you enjoy most about working in law enforcement?
I enjoy showing up for those who need me and hearing how I have affected their day, and sometimes even their lives, in a positive way. I enjoy being the difference when I interact with citizens in my community who have never had a positive experience with law enforcement. I like being able to show citizens who don’t trust the police that they can trust us. Proving that we are here for them is one of the most enjoyable things about my job.
What advice do you have for women considering a career in law enforcement?
If you are considering a career in law enforcement, ride with a female police officer. Go sit with a female 911 operator and police dispatcher. See firsthand how crucial we are to the field of law enforcement. Do not let being a woman be the reason you chose not to be a police officer or go into law enforcement. There are so many opportunities for us here.
Any other advice for women interested in this career path?
If I can share anything with women who are considering a career in law enforcement, it would be to allow being a woman to empower you. Let it be the driving force behind why you choose this career. Always keep in mind there is a great need for our natural abilities and strength in every community, and it would be a disservice to so many people that need us if we ignored those strengths.
Officer Theresa Giarriello | Central Division
With CMPD Since 2023
What led you to the position you’re in now?
I have learned that my biggest passion is to love others. I have been through some hard experiences in my life. They shifted my goals and my focus to what would allow me to help the community in the most positive way. I have always been one who likes to engage and play a role on the front lines. I did some research and spoke with officers I knew. They told me about the impact they have made in society, and I felt their passion for it. That’s when I decided I wanted to move to Charlotte and pursue a career in law enforcement.
What advice do you have for women considering a career in law enforcement?
It can be done, and you can do it well. It is scary at first and maybe even a little intimidating. But when you mentally challenge yourself and grow, you begin to see that we all have the same goal, male or female.
You will see a difference in the dynamic of how females and males are treated. The most important thing for me was to tune out the things I couldn’t control and focus on what I could.
Always keep a positive attitude. I can’t express the importance of this enough. Develop this habit before starting the Academy. It is something you will use throughout your entire career and your life. Your mindset has power, and you will have hard days and need to learn how to mentally get through them.
ALSO, do not stop being a woman and doing things women do. Our careers do not mean that we stop being who we are. Put some makeup on, get your hair done, paint your nails and don’t forget it is okay to be feminine in this career.
What impact do you hope to have on future generations of female officers?
I hope the future generation of female officers has a different outlook on what it is like to be an officer through observing the experiences of the current ones. I hope to instill hope and light to the women who do not believe they have what it takes. The foundation of a good officer starts being built in the Academy, so it is important to show other potential officers the journey of what it is like to be a female and how we have combated the challenges presented to us.
ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER HERE
Ready to join the women of CMPD? Learn more about CMPD’s participation in the 30×30 initiative, see our female- and family-friendly benefits or start your new trainee, lateral entry or intermediate entry application today.
