By Julia Barnes
There is an unmistakable trend that is happening right now in our nation. Not only are more women becoming police officers, but many police departments are making efforts to recruit and retain Latina women. Initiatives like community police academies are helping to foster better relationships between law enforcement and the Latino community.
These changes signal a more inclusive and effective future for law enforcement. They highlight the importance of diversity in policing, the positive impact of culturally competent officers and the individual acts of courage and compassion that make a difference in peoples’ lives.
Michelle J. Valasquez, author of Latinas in Law Enforcement is quoted as saying,
“We are not just officers, we are also wives, mothers, sisters, and friends.”
Most importantly, we are members of the very communities we serve. Every day, ordinary women rise with extraordinary courage, ready to serve, in many cases, make personal sacrifices to protect this nation. We bring empathy, cultural understanding, and a foundation of trust that strengthens our connection with the people we protect.”
In the last 20 years, Police Captain Anabel Morris of the Stockton Police Department has embraced every day with extraordinary courage, a steadfast commitment, as well as a compassionate heart dedicated to serving the community.
Anabel’s parents were both immigrants from Mexico. Her father was from Michoacan and her mother from Guadalajara. They both migrated to the United States and worked in agriculture in Merced County, where Anabel was born.
“One of the camps that we lived in was in Fresno, CA, where my parents worked at a market. Many of our relatives also lived in the camp, including my grandmother and great grandmother. My great grandmother would take care of all the grandkids while everyone went to work.” Anabel recalled.
“When my father injured his back in the fields and couldn’t do the same type of work, he took a bookkeeping course and became both the Bookkeeper and Manager of the camp where he later was able to open his own market and become very successful. My parents taught me the value of working hard and never giving up on your dreams, and that you could do anything you want if you put your mind to it.” Several years later the family moved to Stockton.
Anabel joined the Stockton Police Department on January 2, 2005. She began to realize her dreams through her career in law enforcement and public service during a time when very few women were even considered for that type of service and became a trailblazer igniting the fire to light the pathway for others to follow.
Against all odds she persevered, and an amazing career was launched. Her various roles included Patrol Officer, Community Police Officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer and as a member of both the Recruiting Unit and the Crisis Negotiations Team.
She was promoted to Sergeant, on April 5, 2016, and served in different positions including Patrol Supervisor, Strategic Operations Administrative Supervisor, Recruiting Unit Supervisor, Crisis Negotiations Team Supervisor and Procedural Justice Instructor.
Anabel was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on July 17, 2021. In this role, she also held several important positions, including Watch Commander, Personnel Section Commander, Research and Development Commander, Critical Incident and Investigation Team Commander, Unmanned Aerial Systems Team Commander, Recruiting Unit Team Commander, Police Aide Program Unit Commander, Creative Services Unit Commander, and Chief’s Engagement Unit Commander.
Little did she know that she was destined to break records. In 2025 she became the first Latina Woman Police Captain in the Stockton Police Department. She now serves as the Special Projects Captain for the Office of Chief Stanley Mcfadden. Captain Anabel Morris has become a role model to young girls and boys, people of color, and inspiring so many others to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.
One of the many ways that she continues to inspire is through the Police Aide Program which reaches out to various community organizations, schools and businesses specifically to build relationships and promote positive communication.
“It’s about being intentional and demonstrating the value of partnerships . We are here to support and build relationships. We are human and we are the community together.” Anabel added. “We also encourage any of you who are thinking about a career in Law Enforcement to apply. There are so many diverse and rewarding positions within the Department. The only limits are those we place on ourselves.”