In a notable distinction for law enforcement, Sumner County is home to not one, but two women serving as police chiefs—Laura Freeman in Oxford and Rebekah Rickstrew in Caldwell.
Nationwide, female police leadership remains uncommon. According to career platform Zippia, of the estimated 3,895 police chiefs across the country, only about 8.3%—roughly 320—are women. A 2020 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics places that figure closer to 4%. Despite making up more than 12% of all sworn officers, women remain significantly underrepresented in top positions.
In May, the Oxford Police Department officially promoted Sergeant Laura Freeman to Chief of Police. City officials praised her calm leadership, strong community connection, and commitment to public safety. “Her promotion marks a significant and well-deserved milestone not only for her career but for the department and the community she so proudly serves,” the city shared in its announcement.
A Wellington native and 2005 graduate of Wellington High School, Freeman completed her training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) in 2022 and has been with the Oxford department for more than three years. She also serves as the department’s Training Coordinator and TAC/LASO Officer.
Freeman’s path to law enforcement included time as a dispatcher, first responder and in corrections, but she found her calling in police work. “Sumner County is rural enough,” she said. “The community has been very accepting.”
She said one of her favorite aspects of the job is that she’s still out in the field. “The department is small, I’m not stuck behind a desk. I still patrol and go out on calls.”
Her first major case—investigating a child abuse incident—resulted in a confession. It’s the kind of outcome that deepened her commitment to the work. Following that conviction, she broadened her focus to include advanced mental health training. “There’s a history of alcoholism and drug abuse in my family, so I knew I wanted to concentrate on those issues,” she said.
As she continues to grow in her role, Freeman plans to attend law enforcement leadership conferences and build a network of mentors, especially among other women in the field.
Research has shown that female officers are less likely to use excessive force and are often perceived as more empathetic and trustworthy—qualities increasingly recognized as essential in modern policing. Freeman’s leadership approach reflects those strengths: transparency, collaboration, and genuine care for the community.
Former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best has encouraged women in law enforcement to pursue balance and perspective. “Work hard, enjoy the job, and keep things in perspective,” she said. “It’s a great calling, but it shouldn’t take over your life. Balance is key.”
Experts also recommend that women interested in leadership positions diversify their skills and experiences, pursue advanced education, and take on non-traditional assignments—such as SWAT or hostage negotiation—to strengthen promotion pathways.
Sumner County’s support of women in law enforcement leadership is more than a rarity—it’s a reflection of an inclusive and forward-thinking approach to public service. With two women at the helm of local departments, the county is setting a meaningful example for rural Kansas and beyond.
