Jillian McCoy, MA

I attribute much of my success to my father. As a single parent, he raised me on his own, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance and the values he instilled in me. He served in the United States Navy and later retired, and his military background played a significant role in shaping his discipline, work ethic, and expectations. He was firm but caring, and he struck the right balance in helping me grow from a young girl into the woman and mother I am today

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From an early age, he taught me what success looks like and how to achieve it. He emphasized being goal-oriented, driven, and accountable, qualities he modeled every day. He was my role model and consistently pushed me to strive for more, which is a major reason I am where I am today. My father, Curtis, is still living, and his influence continues to guide and motivate me.

Being the first and only female commander in my agency, serving as the first female president of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association Command College, and graduating from the FBI National Academy are accomplishments I am incredibly proud of, especially while also being a mother. I have achieved more than I once thought possible, but I continue to push myself because I believe growth is ongoing. I have earned one master’s degree and am currently working toward a second, and I remain committed to continually challenging myself and striving for excellence.

The best advice I’ve received is to be my own advocate. In a field where women are underrepresented, advocating for myself has been critical to advancing, leading effectively, and ensuring my voice—and the voices of other women—are heard. Combining this with my father’s guidance on being goal-oriented and driven has been foundational in my career.

I have a lot of advice for young women entering law enforcement. I truly love my career, but above all, I am a mother to two daughters, and they come first. I wear many hats, and the most important one is being a mom. As a single, divorced parent, balancing work and home life can be challenging, and having a strong support system is essential.

For young women and girls who are interested in law enforcement, or any field where the path has not always been paved for us, I always emphasize this: your voice matters. Your strength is needed, and women’s leadership is not only possible, it is necessary. Continue to show up, stand tall, and believe in your self-worth.

Law enforcement can be a lonely profession for women. We make up only about 10% of the field, and as you advance in your career, that number often becomes even smaller. There are not many women in leadership positions, which can make the journey feel isolating at times. Because of that, I have had to learn to advocate for myself and navigate challenges on my own. Self-advocacy is critical because you cannot effectively advocate for others if you have not first learned to advocate for yourself.

One of the biggest challenges in law enforcement right now is staffing, both recruiting new officers and retaining experienced ones. Many agencies are short-staffed, which increases workload and burnout. Another challenge is maintaining public trust. There is a high level of scrutiny, so transparency and accountability are more important than ever. We are also seeing more complex investigations, especially involving technology and digital evidence, which requires ongoing training.

At the same time, there are opportunities to improve and grow. Agencies are finding new ways to strengthen community relationships, use technology more effectively, and develop strong leadership. There is also more opportunity for women to step into leadership roles and bring new perspectives to the profession.

I prioritize a family-first mindset, perseverance, self-advocacy, and a strong belief in the importance of one’s voice and self-worth. These values guide me in everything I do, as a leader, a mentor, and a mother, and help ensure I am making meaningful contributions both professionally and within my community.

I also believe it is critical to maintain a clear separation between work and home life. In this profession, we are often exposed to very difficult situations, including cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, and other serious crimes. In order to remain healthy, effective, and present for my family, I make a conscious effort not to bring that weight home with me. Maintaining that balance is essential, not only for personal well-being, but for long-term success in this career.