Calendar to feature strong women of police force
Women make up 10 percent of the Austin Police Department.
They have the same roles as their male counterparts, but that isn't always the perception.
In this week's Crime Watch, FOX 7's Noelle Newton shows how they hope to change your view of them with a new calendar. This isn't some pin up shoot. These are strong women who hope to inspire future generations of law enforcement officers.
Officer Erica Danielle gets a first look at a photo of her in a new calendar featuring women who wear the badge at the Austin Police Department.
"I love it. I dig it," said Danielle.
She is one of the many faces captured to illustrate strong females who account for 180 of the department's 18-hundred sworn personnel. The Austin Police Womens Association gave us a sneak peak of the images prior to the calendar's January 23rd release date.
Danielle is a district representative, a community liaison of sorts, who addresses concerns among the citizens in her service area. Her desire to become a police officer is unique.
"I have been in close relationships with people that have had issues with law enforcement. My mother, my brother. So, I decided to be a police officer so I can change maybe reform some of the things that are occurring that is systemic and get to where there is a trust and unity between the community and police officers," said Danielle.
Women hold many different roles at APD. The calendar highlights those.
"I'd have to say my favorite picture is the one with Detective Angel Polansky and Tonya Jefferson as detectives because that's near and dear to my heart," said Austin Police Womens Association President Melanie Rodriguez.
Austin Womens Police Association President Melanie Rodriguez holds one of the toughest positions as a child abuse detective.
"We get to put really bad people away for harming children and so it's extremely rewarding. You know that child is going to be safe when they go to sleep at night," said Rodriguez.
Photographer and Officer Scott Stanfield brought her vision to life.
"There's a real double-standard out there that the male officers handle the bulk of the calls and the women are there for the softer side, or for the de-escalation, the communication which is really untrue. The calls don't discriminate whether it's a male or female police officer. They face exactly the same tasks we do. They do it as well as we do," said Stanfield.
Calendars will be sold for $18 dollars. Profits will go to Cops for Charities. It's a non-profit comprised of police. Their mission is to support local charitable agencies and provide support to officers and their families in times of need.
Learn more about Cops For Charities here.
"We're hoping that these calendars make it into the Ann Richards School, into Bertha Sadler Means Academy. We want them to be in there so these young women can see positive role models in police officers. We want to encourage more female participation in this line of work," said Rodriguez.
Danielle is happy with her choice.
"I love it. It is something I am thankful I took that plunge and decided to do it," said Danielle.