Minneapolis policewomen’s bureau

The Minneapolis Policewomen’s Bureau was established in 1928.  The duties of the Minneapolis Policewomen’s Bureau were handled by seven women, including five patrolwomen, an office assistant, and Lieutenant Blanche Jones.

They are pictured in this 1938 photograph from the Hennepin County Library.  L to R (seated): Gladys Cooke, Carrie Bystrom, Mary Stolze, and Blanche Jones. L to R (standing): Edith Evans and Elsie Mueller. One policewoman, Minnie Staples, was not present when the photo was taken.

The bureau was formed as a non-punitive department for helping troubled youth.  In its first year, 700 of its 1000 cases were resolved through discussion and with no involvement from the courts.  The bureau also provided services for runaway children and teens.  In their first year of service, they responded to the needs of 160 parents who reached out to them for advice. 

We have very little information about the Policewomen’s Bureau in our archives.  If you have information that you would be keen to share, please email us at info@mplspolicemuseum.org