The LAPD is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first policewoman. One of the pioneers of woman in law enforcement is our own Patricia (Patty) Berry Russell. This picture is of Patty at her police academy graduation in 1967. In the 1970's, Patty was required to go back through the police academy in order to become certified to work the field as an LAPD Police Officer. For much of her career, Patty worked traffic enforcement/accident investigation. Early on, she became deeply involved in the Department's Drug Recognition Program. In fact, Patty was one of the four LAPD officers who participated in the landmark 1984 Johns Hopkins study. In addition, the pupilometer, that included the HGN angle chart, was developed and marketed by Patty. Many of us remember the early pupilometers as the "Berry Good Ruler." Patty retired from the LAPD in 1992. Her last assignment was as Training Coordinator for the Drug Recognition Expert Unit. Without Patty's contributions, the DRE program might never have reached the level of professionalism it has.
I was honored to work with Pat (as well as her eventual husband to be, Claude) on many a morning watch in south-central LA back in the early 80's. I learned a lot from Pat. I learned that a person could be a good cop AND be nice. I learned that most of the time it was easier to listen to people than it was to fight with them. I learned that a lot of being a good cop had to do with one's faith. And I learned what it was deal with a lot of gore, mayhem, death, and manage to keep your sanity. I felt privileged to work with Pat. May God bless her and all of our brothers and sisters in uniform. - Dick Kellogg, LAPD retired
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