Deputy Samantha Sanders-Lucero
Pima County Sheriff’s Department
Tucson, AZ
Why did you become a police officer?
I chose to become a police officer because of my natural tendency and desire to protect others. I knew that assuming the role of a police officer would provide me the opportunity to protect and lead others with kindness and compassion.
What motivates you to succeed?
I am the first police officer in my family. I took a lot of pride in this, and as my career progressed, I continued to set goals that forced me to maintain a high level of professionalism, proficiency, and physical fitness. Now that those goals have been achieved, and I have an amazing husband and incredible daughter, they’re my motivation for anything I do. I want to set the example for my daughter that, with hard work and perseverance, anything is achievable.
What’s your most memorable moment on the job?
My most memorable moment was receiving my Five-Year longevity award on the Pima Regional SWAT team. I had worked so hard to not only make the team, but to also become an operator people can rely on, so achieving this award was very honorable for me.
What challenges have you faced?
Throughout my career, there have been a lot of people who were doubtful in my abilities and goals. My main desire was to become an operator on the SWAT team. After two failed attempts, I finally made the team, and served as an operator for 6 years. I was the first female operator on the team in over twenty years, so that in itself was challenging to navigate. I faced similar doubts and challenges when I moved to the Canine Unit as a Handler, however, I was able to prevail in both units.
What advice do you have for women considering a profession in policing?
I would advise any women interested in the profession of policing, to maintain a high level of physical fitness prior to entering the field of law enforcement. Once they become a police officer, always pursue training opportunities that will help advance their knowledge and proficiencies, which will in turn make them a more reliable police officer and servant to the community. Always be the hardest worker in the room.
How we’re changing policing
The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations committed to advancing and supporting the representation, experiences, and well-being of women at all levels of law enforcement, both in the U.S. and beyond.
Research shows that women play a crucial role in building community trust, de-escalating conflict, and improving public safety outcomes, with evidence linked to reduced use of force and enhanced relationships with the communities they serve. However, women represent less than 14% of sworn officers and 20% of recruits in state and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, about 40% of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have no full-time women officers (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics).
We are collaborating with hundreds of agencies to make law enforcement a profession where qualified women who are drawn to it feel welcomed and supported while ensuring agencies address their unique needs and foster their success.