The Women Behind the Badge (DIGITAL EDITION ONLY)

Description

While researching the history of APD, Yvonne Sandlin and Alicia
Kassa discovered the fascinating history of the hiring of women
for the Albuquerque Police Department. The Policewomen and female
support staff of the Albuquerque Police Department have been
a special breed, willing to put themselves in harm’s way, for the
greater safety and security of the citizens of Albuquerque for the past
65 years.

Police Chief Paul Shaver first hired a female secretary in 1950
and it wasn’t until 1954 that he hired the first policewoman, Alice
Darbee, to work with women and children. This publication shows
the progression of hiring the first secretary and telephone operators
to the promotion of the first female Deputy Chief of Police, Debbie
Kuidis in April 1995.

About the Authors:
Yvonne Chavez-Sandlin retired from the Albuquerque
Police Department with 28 years of service
as a Police Aide, Police Officer and Community
Service Aide. She holds an associate degree
in Police Science, a B.S. in Criminology and a
M.A. in elementary education with additional
graduate studies in Public Administration and
Paralegal studies. She is married and has raised
four boys while pursuing her career and educational endeavors.

Alicia Kassa is a native of Albuquerque who began
her career with the City of Albuquerque in
1986 as a Correctional Officer. She transferred
to the APD Forensic Photography Unit in 1996
and worked as a Photography Technician. She
assisted in the production of the two previous
APD books and retired from the Photo Lab in
2012. She has continued her love of the arts in
photography and tin art. She volunteers for the APD Police Museum
and is married to Joe Kassa, a retired Police Officer.

• 180 pages
• $29.95 Digital edition