WIFLE CELEBRATED 25 YEARS OF WOMEN IN FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, INC. IN 2024

WIFLE History in Brief

WIFLE, Inc.'s predecessor was ICWIFLE (I C WIFLE) which is the acronym for the Interagency Committee on Women in Federal Law Enforcement hosted by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury. ICWIFLE was originally formed as a task force created by the Office of Personnel Management in 1978. It was charged with studying reasons for the low numbers of women entering federal law enforcement - fields that opened to women only after President Richard Nixon signed Executive Order 11478 (EO 11478) on August 8, 1969. EO11478 provided equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons; prohibited discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age; and, promoted equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative program in each executive department and agency.  WIFLE was established as a nonprofit organization June 28, 1999, as an outgrowth of ICWIFLE to carry forward the ICWIFLE mission and vision.

In 1971 and 1972, the first women were hired by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, into positions from which they had been previously barred based solely on their gender. These women carried firearms, executed search warrants and made arrests as had the men for all years prior to the EO.

WIFLE: Empowering and Training Women in Federal Law Enforcement Since the 1970s

From its origins as the Interagency Committee for Women in Law Enforcement (ICWIFLE) in the 1970s, to the current-day Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. and the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. organizations have consistently strived to elevate the role of women in federal law enforcement. WIFLE has been a pioneer in advocating for the recruitment, promotion based on merit, and retention of women in law enforcement careers, aiming to create an environment where women can thrive, excel, and lead.

WIFLE’s mission centers on fostering a community that embraces and values excellence, where women are empowered to reach their fullest potential while maintaining dignity and respect in their roles. The organization encourages a culture of integrity in law enforcement, ensuring that those in the profession adhere to the highest ethical standards. WIFLE advocates for equality of opportunity and transparency in federal law enforcement practices, working tirelessly to ensure that women are valued and given fair treatment and unwavering support in their careers.

As WIFLE continues to evolve, its commitment to leadership development, mentorship, and service to the community remains central. Through professional development opportunities, training, networking, and mentorship programs, WIFLE seeks to build a future with federal agencies and organizations where women in federal law enforcement are not only represented but are leading with strength and influence.

In partnership with the federal law enforcement community, WIFLE continues to be a voice for change, advocating for policies and practices that improve the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in law enforcement, while fostering an environment that champions equality and leadership at every level.

In 1991, ICWIFLE celebrated its 20th year anniversary. The program book for that year's conference is available
to read at https://wifle.org/icwifle/.

In 2000, WIFLE held its first Leadership Training. A video produced for that event is available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwgp4FCK1So

In June 2019, WIFLE celebrated its 20th year anniversary.  A video produced for that event is available to watch at https://vimeo.com/345604660.  

In June 2024, WIFLE celebrated its 25th year anniversary. A video produced for that event is available to watch at https://youtu.be/YJzMCEsQAT4?si=3yGA3VJOG0Y9CXAI

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