Muscatine police officer Whitni Pena is breaking new ground as the president of the Iowa Association of Women Police, a group dedicated to supporting women already serving in law enforcement as well as students considering a policing career. According to WQAD, the association works to create mentorship opportunities, training initiatives and network connections that help women thrive in what has traditionally been a male‑dominated field.
Pena’s leadership comes amid growing recognition of the value of diversity and community‑engaged policing. In her role as a school‑resource officer in Muscatine, she also helps bring law enforcement and students together, fostering relationships and building trust in the classroom and beyond. WQAD reports that her experiences in school‑based policing inform her broader efforts with the association.
Under Pena’s guidance, the Iowa Association of Women Police is emphasizing outreach to future officers—students who may not yet have considered policing as a viable or welcoming career path. By highlighting stories, providing role models and helping navigate the training process, the organization aims to make the law‑enforcement field more accessible and supportive for women. WQAD notes that this focus on students aiming to join law‑enforcement is a key part of their strategy.
As the association strengthens its statewide network, Pena says her goal is to ensure that women officers feel empowered, connected and prepared for the unique challenges they face. The organization’s work with established officers complements the student‑outreach effort, creating a support system from entry‑level through career advancement. WQAD’s coverage highlights how this two‑pronged approach helps to build a stronger, more inclusive policing community in Iowa.
