For the first time in the 200 year history of the Mendoza police department, there are now four female Under-superintendents on staff. Anabel Moreno, Nidia Ríos, Cecilia Argones and Silvana Troncoso are making history as first generation high ranking female police.
In a society where historical machismo rules, these four Under-superintendents break the mold in an environment where woman are considered double the cost. In addition, these four women have university degrees, while not all of their colleagues can count on the same.
Local newspaper Los Andes invited the four for a recent interview. Silvana could not make it as it conflicted with her work schedule.
Los Andes reporter: What made you decide to pursue police careers?
Anabel: I took it on as available work. I was studying economic science but could not pursue that career. I came from a family that is less economically fortunate. My mother prepared and sold meals so that I could study. I answered an ad in the newspaper and entered the School of Cadets in 1999.
Nadia: The thought occurred to me one day on the bus home from high school. I always saw the students of the School of Cadets and I liked what I saw. Once I finished high school I had no doubts that this is what I wanted to pursue. I went alone and signed up. This is purely vocational for me.
Cecilia: My case is similar to Annabel’s; it was a way to get work. I was studying civil engineering at the National University of Technology (UTN) but it wasn’t going well for me. My father was retired and my mother was working as a maid. A police friend of mine commented to me one day about this career, so I signed up.
Was or is there any police in your family?
All three: No, we are first generation.
Did anybody in your family oppose your decision to pursue a police career?
Anabel: My father was initially opposed. It bothered him because when I changed my career, I had just earned a scholarship at the School of Economics at the University of Cuyo, and besides, I was in my second year. My father thought it was a bad decision, but later he understood me.
Nadia: Well, at first my parents were upset at not seeing me hardly ever during my training (The course was Sunday through Friday) but it was only for a few months. They also were worried about their “little girl” being a police officer.
Cecilia: I lost my boyfriend during that timeframe! He left when I told him I signed up at the school of Cadets. Besides, I did not want to be an expense for my family. It was during the hyperinflation years of Alfonisn, and economic times were very rough. Over the years my family accepted my decision, and now they are very proud of me.
Today you are Under-Superintendents, and have both males and females under your command. Do you notice the machismo, being of high command?
Anabel: The subject of machismo is a cultural one, and covers the police also; it’s in the society. One time, when I was working in substation 37 of Godoy Cruz, there was a neighborhood meeting on crime prevention, and the police superintendent could not attend. When I arrived, 90% of the people were men. They told me “You? We want someone who can give us answers”. The people could not believe that a woman could give answers.
Nadia: The police are just as machismo as society. An example is that the system of rankings inside the police seems to be geared towards men. Only one time, two years ago, did a woman achieve a higher ranking, even though there were ten female candidates.
Cecilia: I believe, like my female friends, that machismo exists across the board. In my present position (in charge of driver’s licenses) the people are always astonished when they find out a woman is in charge, but it is always a positive reaction.
Doe any of you belong to any feminist groups?
All three: No.
Where is it more difficult to give orders? At home, or at work?
All three: At home, without a doubt. The police are very obedient!
How do you balance motherhood and law enforcement?
Anabel: The best I can. Now, with this responsibility, there are situations in which I have to be on the job, no matter what. The traditional system of having 24 or 48 hours off does not exist for me. On top of it, I am separated. So many times, when police operations arise, at any hour of the day or night, I have to leave my son with my mother.
Cecilia: One must do what one must do, like all mothers. In my case it is a little easier because I can rely on my husband (who is a Superintendent-Inspector), and that simplifies things.
Have your drawn your weapons?
Anabel: I have had to on several occasions. I have been in many shootouts with criminals, especially when I am sent to problem areas. In one instance, my colleague was injured. I have never killed anyone.
Nadia: I also get involved in shootouts, but on less of a scale than Anabel. No one has been injured nor have I killed anyone.
Cecilia: Draw, yes, but I have not fired a shot yet. I have not been involved in any shootouts nor killed anyone.
Why do female police officers seem to get romantically involved with male officers?
All three: It is true, that 90% of female officers go out with male officers, something that is not the case if you reverse it. They understand us better. How many men will tolerate, at 4am in the morning, that you say “Honey, sorry, but I have to leave”
Translated digest of the article "Altos mandos policiales con perfume de mujer" written by Rolando López for Diario Los Andes. Photo by Claudio Gutiérrez
The original article is available at:
http://www.losandes.com.ar/notas/2010/6/6/policiales-494377.asp
