This Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize the trailblazing women who broke barriers in law enforcement and paved the way for future generations.
In 1921, Irene C. McAuliffe, Irene C. Baumbach, Agnes J. Callahan, Margaret McHugh, and Lillian A. Taylor became the first female officers sworn into the Boston Police Department. Despite receiving their badges, they were given no uniforms, firearms or automobiles —yet they served with dedication and resilience.
Decades later, in 1943, Patrol Officer Edna J. Swan made history as the first African American female officer in the BPD. A Philadelphia native and Fisk University graduate, Officer Swan dedicated herself to social service and the war effort before joining the department.
We continue to honor these remarkable women for their courage, strength, and service. Their legacy lives on as we remain committed to recruiting and retaining women in law enforcement. In 2023, Mayor Wu and Commissioner Cox signed the 30×30 Pledge, a national initiative to increase women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030.
The BPD proudly celebrates Women’s History Month as part of our ongoing commitment to protect and serve our city with a police department that reflects the city we serve!
