MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – In recognition of National Police Woman Day, which is observed on Sept. 12, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office is highlighting their women police officers.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections currently has 130 officers, 19 of which are female. Female officers perform all the duties expected of a correctional police officer.
Some of those duties range from prisoner management to relief officer. Senior officers are awarded more permanent positions such as payroll, special programs, sanitation, security in the maximum-security unit, intake, and Professional Standards. The most recent female correctional police officer promoted was Sharon Fielding who attained the rank of Sergeant.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement has 117 sworn law enforcement officers, of which, 22 are female. Within the Bureau, there is a strong female leadership presence. At least one female is represented per each rank from Sheriff’s Officer up to Chief.
Female officers hold various jobs in the agency to include but not limited to:
- K9 handler
- Crime Scene Detective
- Marine Police
- Motors Unit
- Community Outreach
- Hope One, Hope Hub
- Court protection and security
- Legal Process
- Emergency Medical Tech. in the Special Operations Group
- Firearms Instructor
- Honor Guard
- Bike Patrol
- Experts in Bloodstain and Fingerprint analysis
There is currently one female officer serving on active-duty deployment with the NJ National Guard. Female officers from both bureaus have received multiple medals and commendations to include Lifesaving Award and recognition.
“Our women law enforcement officers enhance the operation of the agency. They serve proudly, and I am proud of them. They consistently demonstrate professionalism and high performance in all they do,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
The roster of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office boasts approximately 17% of sworn law enforcement personnel are women. In 2023, the national average for women in police service was 12%.
“Thank you to all who accept the challenge every day and keep the citizens and visitors of Morris County safe and secure,” the sheriff’s office said.
