According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, as of 2022, there were 63,858 officers in the state. But the split of male versus female officers is far from 50/50.

The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office began allowing men and women to hold the same rank in 1974.

Deputy Podejko got into law enforcement because she wanted to make a difference and help people. And now, a decade later, she's been doing that every day.

“So, I found myself in a lot of situations where I wanted to do more and to help more or to make more of a difference within my community,” said Podejko.

Before she was putting on a badge every day, she was a delivery driver.

“I get to do fun things like solve people's problems or pet dogs or, you know, like help an old lady across the street,” said Podejko.

What she says she likes most about the job is learning people’s stories.

“I feel like at least once a day, I encounter somebody that I could either make smile or happy or give a word of encouragement,” said Podejko.

In 2020, New York had 62,998 total sworn officers; 15% (9,467) were women. In 2022, of New York State’s 63,858 officers, 16% (10,238) were women.

“There's situations that we deal with every day that require more empathy that, I mean, I'm not saying men don't have empathy, but I think most women approach things a little bit differently,” said Podejko.

The Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and New York State Police have all joined a national pledge called 30x30 that's aiming to have 30% women in policing recruit classes by 2030.

“It's nice because once you're in, you're part of this family that you didn't realize you needed in your life,” said Podejko.