MPD mentors work with next generation of female law enforcement officers

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin college students had a chance to learn from police mentors during an interactive training session.

The event was part of the University of Wisconsin Women in Criminal Justice Mentoring Program, which seeks to empower women entering the criminal justice industry. 

It began at UW-Platteville and has extended to other campuses in the UW System. It pairs a college student with a mentor from a law enforcement agency in the state, such as the Madison Police Department.

“Without the guidance of a mentor and someone who empowered me to join a predominately male-dominated field … I would not be in the position I am in today,” said MPD Officer Grace Mueller.

Officer Mueller joined the Madison Police Department in 2020 and is currently assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Section. She also serves as a mentor.

“Being a mentor means that I get to cultivate relationships with young women and invest my time and energy into shaping these students to bring the best parts of themselves to their future careers,” Mueller said.

About 20 students from UWP traveled to MPD’s Training Center last month. They met their mentors and rotated through three sessions – tactical training, crime scene processing and a virtual reality active shooter simulation.

“It’s been really fun. Being able to make the connections with them and learn more about what it’s like being a woman in the criminal justice field,” said UW-Platteville student Isabelle Varga.

The Women in Criminal Justice Mentoring Program paired 36 mentors with 51 students this year. Of those, six of the mentors are from the Madison Police Department.