11% of New Jersey Police Officers Are Women • Montgomery Has Four

By Barbara A. Preston for The Montgomery News | November 12, 2026

Women make up 11% of New Jersey’s sworn police officers, according to Police Transparency NJ, who posted the statistic online on July 26.

Montgomery Township police officers from left: Oksana Kopyto, Vanessa Hunter, Carolyn Larue, and Piper Ford. Photo by Barbara A. Preston

In 1990 they were under 3%. The FBI has been counting since 1960, and the New Jersey line has been climbing slowly for 35 years.

While progress is evident, local leaders recognize there is still significant work to be done. In recent interviews, Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet shared his perspective on recruiting, supporting, and empowering women within the ranks, detailing how diverse viewpoints strengthen local law enforcement.

“I began my law enforcement career in July 1993. At that time, there were no female police officers serving with the Montgomery Police Department,” Chief Bet told The Montgomery News.

“Today, our department consists of 37 sworn officers, four of whom are women.”

Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet (right) with Officer Oksana Kopyto.

He said the department also has seven civilian employees who provide behind-the-scenes operational support, and five of those employees are women. “While the department has not yet had a female officer serve in a formal leadership position, I firmly believe leadership is defined by actions, not titles. Our female officers demonstrate leadership every day through their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving our community.”

One thing that makes Chief Bet proud, he said, is that Montgomery’s female officers are not only contributing to the success of the department, but they are also serving as role models for the next generation.

“Through their service, professionalism, and accomplishments, they inspire young women to consider careers in law enforcement and demonstrate that they can succeed and thrive in this profession.

“Their contributions continue to strengthen our department, our culture, and our connection to the community we serve,” Chief Bet said.

Montgomery Township police officers from left: Carolyn Larue and Oksana Kopyto.

Officer Oksana Kopyto: From Ukraine to New Jersey

When Oksana Kopyto arrived in the United States from Ukraine at age 19, she spoke little English and spent nearly a decade working as a housekeeper to support her family back home. Today, she patrols the streets of Montgomery as one of the department’s newest police officers.

After graduating from the Mercer County Police Academy and starting her career in East Windsor in 2022, Officer Kopyto joined the Montgomery Police Department in November 2025. Drawn to law enforcement by the promise of long-term stability and the opportunity to serve, she thrives on the unpredictability of patrol work.

“No two shifts are ever the same,” Officer Kopyto said, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making under pressure.

While acknowledging challenges such as grueling 12-hour rotating shifts and overcoming persistent gender stereotypes, Officer Kopyto remains focused on mastering her role on patrol and building strong ties within the township’s diverse community.

Beyond tactical skills, she highlights the essential strengths women bring to policing, including patience, communication, and empathy when working with vulnerable community members.

“Those qualities can be especially important when working with children, supporting victims of domestic violence, and interacting with people during vulnerable moments. At the same time, being a good police officer is about much more than gender.”

Kopyto says it takes sound judgment, resilience, integrity, and the ability to handle difficult situations. Women are just as capable of meeting those demands, and I think the profession benefits when officers bring different strengths and perspectives to the job, she said.

Officer Carolyn LaRue

Women are moving up in the ranks. One example is Officer Carolyn LaRue, who became the first female officer in the history of the Montgomery Township Police Department to serve in a specialized unit.

Officer LaRue joined the Services Division under the leadership of Lt. Andrew Perry. The Services Division oversees investigations and traffic safety, and Officer LaRue is currently assigned to the Traffic Safety Bureau.

“Her achievement represents an important milestone for our department and serves as an example of the opportunities available to women in law enforcement,” Chief Bet said.

Officer LaRue joined the Montgomery Police Department about five years ago.

She says she wanted to become a police officer because she enjoys helping people.

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Criminological research, such as studies highlighted in Police Chief Magazine, shows that the primary motivation for becoming a police officer—for both men and women—is a fundamental desire to help others and make a positive impact on their communities.

LaRue also has a background in mental health. She says, “It brings a lot to the table. We work with many people who have mental health issues. I genuinely enjoy being out and talking with the community and helping them as best I can.”

LaRue has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and she worked in a mental health unit for two years at Robert Wood Hospital in Somerset.

Family influence is another reason women pursue career opportunities in law enforcement.

Montgomery Police Officer Vanessa Hunter

Officer Vanessa Hunter

Officer Hunter expressed that she views her profession as more than just a job—but a calling.

“I come from a family that has served in the military or as a public servant. Being that my grandfather was a military police officer in the Marines and my father was an Edison firefighter, I grew up from a young age, knowing I wanted to help people.

“Most times when we respond to a call we are going to help somebody on their worst day.”

Hunter joined the Montgomery Police Department 2.5 years ago, assigned to the patrol division along with Officers Kopyto and Ford.

“What I like most is having a career that challenges me. Every call is different [and calls for] critical thinking skills,” she says.

Hunter aspires to join Officer LaRue in the traffic bureau. Currently, she says she is enjoying her time as a patrol officer on the road learning more about the job each day.

“Police departments could successfully recruit more women by setting the precedent that policing is a realistic job opportunity for women,” Hunter said. “One of the biggest challenges women face in doing their jobs as a law-enforcement officer is the expectation of being strong enough or having enough of a commanding presence. I will say the job definitely requires that.”

Montgomery Police Officer Piper Ford

Officer Piper Ford

Officer Piper Ford Officer Ford graduated from Montgomery High School in 2019. She enlisted in the Army National Guard after high school graduation, and holds the rank of sergeant. She also earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Mercer County College in 2021. Having grown up in town, she has deep roots in the community.

Recruitment & Quotas

Reflecting on demographics, Chief Bet emphasized that increasing the presence of women in policing goes far beyond meeting quotas. Instead, it centers on attracting top talent from every segment of the population.

“When women account for barely a tenth of active officers Does It Matter that 11% of Sworn New Jersey Police statewide, police departments miss out on key skills and perspectives essential for modern community-oriented policing,” Chief Bet said.

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“Policing is most effective when it reflects the communities it serves,” he said, emphasizing that female officers routinely bring valuable communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving talents to the role.

Toward this goal, The Policing Project at NYU School of Law as started the 30X30 Initiative, asking police leaders to increase the proportion of female recruits to 30% by the year 2030, according to 30x30initiative.org.

Bet expressed strong alignment with these objectives, noting that outdated stereotypes often prevent young women from considering a career in law enforcement. To address this gap, the Montgomery Township Police Department actively engages in targeted outreach across schools, colleges, and community programs, he said.

By featuring female officers in recruitment campaigns, specialized units, and public engagement events, the department provides visible role models who inspire future generations.