Includes bibliographical references (p. [225]-229)and index.

How it all began : what is a nice girl like you doing in a place like this? -- Women in non-traditional professions : law enforcement is big business -- The road to the chief's chair : early trailblazers and the long climb to the top -- Twists and turns on the road to the top : decisions and detours along the way -- One-agency chiefs : local girls break brass at home -- Family power brings political power : from sheriff's wife to sheriff -- Modern women sheriffs : getting elected on their own -- Big-city pioneers : the women who broke the bulletproof barriers -- Twenty-first century women : is the playing field finally level? -- Women police chiefs and sheriffs : a collective portrait.