By: Meyer Wolfsheim

A group of female officers within the NYPD is earning recognition for excelling in one of the department’s most demanding environments — the firearms training range — while also building a powerful sense of camaraderie in a traditionally male-dominated field, according to a report by the New York Post.

The elite unit, based in the Bronx within the NYPD’s Firearms and Tactics Training Section, includes nine women who serve as weapons instructors, helping train the next generation of police officers. As the New York Post reported, these officers are responsible for teaching recruits how to properly handle firearms, Tasers, and other equipment, as well as guiding them through rigorous qualification tests required to serve on the force.

Despite being vastly outnumbered — the unit has more than 100 members — the women have carved out a reputation for excellence and resilience. According to the New York Post, they have formed what many describe as a “sisterhood,” supporting one another while working in a high-pressure, performance-driven setting.

Sgt. Lauren Southwell, one of the instructors, noted that female officers often feel they must work harder to earn the same respect as their male counterparts. Still, she and her colleagues have embraced the challenge, using it as motivation to prove themselves on the range.

The training itself is intense. Recruits must complete a pistol qualification course, firing at targets from about 25 yards away under strict conditions. The New York Post detailed how trainees are given multiple chances to pass, but mistakes can quickly draw the attention of instructors, who prioritize safety above all else.

For many of the women, their paths to becoming firearms experts were unique. Some, like Sgt. Vanessa Solis, were introduced to shooting at a young age through family experiences such as hunting. Others discovered their aptitude later in life. Officer Nicole Figueroa, for example, had never handled a gun before joining the police academy but quickly realized she had a natural talent and pursued it further, according to the New York Post.

Officer Jeanatte Jimenez took a different route, developing her skills over time through discipline and focus. She has since become committed to helping recruits who may initially feel uneasy around firearms, using her own experience to guide them.

Meanwhile, Officer Lanayia Soto has specialized in training officers who use heavy weaponry, including specialized units such as sniper teams and emergency response groups. Her role highlights the breadth of expertise within the unit and the critical responsibilities these instructors carry.

At the center of the team’s culture is a shared commitment to lifting each other up. Veteran officer Madelyn Perez, who joined the NYPD after witnessing the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, now helps instill perseverance in recruits, emphasizing that success comes through consistent effort.

Leadership has also played a role in fostering inclusivity.