Posted on: March 13, 2025 05:22 PM

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The big day 60 years ago to remember for two NYPD cops

March 12, 1965 was the day the NYPD remembers the promotion of two women to the sergeant rank. One of them Felicia Shpritzer, a veteran with NYPD for 23 years, sued in 1961 to take the exam after then Commissioner Michael Murphy denied on the ground of physical incapability for a woman. In 1963, Shpritzer won the case.

The other was Gertrude Schimmel who was with the NYPD for 24 years.

Then Commissioner Murphy quoted,

“This day marks another significant milestone in our department’s history — the emergence of our police women from the ranks. For the first time, two of our police women will wear three stripes. We welcome them and wish them well.”

Since then, many women have aced the tests and joined the ranks of Sergeant, Detectives, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Inspector, Chief of Department to Commissioner.

As of today, women make up 19% of the NYPD's sworn officers, while men account for 81%.

Pic courtesy of NYC Archives.