“Historic Newport Policewoman: Breaking Barriers, 1913”

This photograph captures a policewoman from Newport, taken around 1913 by a photographer from the Bain News Service. At a time when women were just starting to break into the field of law enforcement, her presence signifies a major shift in societal roles. The early 20th century was a transformative era for women, marked by the suffrage movement and increased visibility in various professions, including policing.

The Newport policewoman stands in her uniform, a clear indication of her position and authority. The image serves as a snapshot of a pioneering moment in police history, highlighting the challenges and advancements women faced in a male-dominated profession. During the early 1900s, fewer than 1% of police officers in the U.S. were women, making her role all the more significant. This photograph doesn’t just freeze a moment in time; it tells the story of resilience and progress in the fight for gender equality in law enforcement.