Book excerpt: The author covers the entire history of policewomen in America since their initial promotion from desk jobs to patrol positions, and through the ranks from there. In only 40 years, women in police departments across the country have advanced with amazing speed to positions traditionally reserved for men. Many have gone on to become police chiefs, SWAT team commanders, homicide detectives, training instructors, and patrol officers. Having witnessed first-hand the transition from women as metermaids to full-fledged officers, the author offers first-hand accounts from women and others engaged in this important and transformative change in the world of American policing.