LEOW Definition
What is a LEOW? For those who are familiar with the police officer community, LEOW is a widely-used acronym for Law Enforcement Officer Wife.
Typing became much easier as people started to create online shortcuts while posting to social media platforms. I believe that this is one way that LEO and LEOW acronyms were started.
A LEO is a sworn police officer whose duties range from working as a public safety officer, trooper, border patrol agent and many more. These officers are given the training and responsibilities to enforcement the law.
It is important to point out that civilian jobs such as security officers are typically not trained or certified to uphold such laws. Civilian job titles are usually not classified as LEO’s.
A LEOW is referred to as a wife or spouse of a police officer. As hype continues to surround the LEO community based on media coverage, spouses and support systems of officers continue to make waves in the community.
LEOW’s are often advocates of their spouses in ways of promoting public awareness surrounding the humanity that exists behind the badge. Some ways that this is accomplished is through sporting Thin Blue Line apparel and posting positive reflections of police life on social media.
In addition, many LEOW’s are incredibly vocal in regard to voicing the truths behind the characters of their spouses.
LEOW’s Impression of Media Influence
I have been a LEOW for almost 11 years. From my personal experience, it has been difficult to see the police profession as a whole become so demeaned over the years. News and media outlets have used every opportunity possible to create disconnect between the community and officers.
In full transparency, I do believe that there are good and bad officers. I also believe that there are good and bad employees in every profession. When someone doesn’t like what they do, it is likely that this will reflect as a negative impression in the work that they do.
Sure, there have been many of these individuals who have not done their job due justice. What I do not agree with is that many of those instances that have been highlighted, exhausted and fabricated.
Instead of seeing coverage on the incident that took place, we are seeing the media create headlines that make the community feel like they have to choose a side.
I don’t agree with this and I believe that there should be stronger restrictions on what media can create as a sales headline. Much of the negative stigma surrounding the LEO profession would lessen if these guidelines were in place.
Books
Many great books have been written as byproducts of the women who live with, love and support police officers. One great read is called I Love a Cop. This is an excellent descriptive write that explains what spouses, children and families need to know when they have a relationship with a police officer.
Many of the strategies in this book allow families to help to manage stress and truly make it work when in a relationship with an officer.
Another high-rated read is called Emotional Survival For Law Enforcement. This particular read demonstrates the fact that officers opted to take the oath to protect citizens and enforce the law.
I believe that if you have young children who have parents who are officers, this book is a great tool. This book provides a solid understanding of why it is important to shift the media focus from negative to positive.
In particular, I found that the explanation of PTSD as it exists in law enforcement was very powerful.
LEOW Facebook Support Groups
Many LEOW Facebook support groups have been created as a way to help to bind the community and lives of those that live behind the badge. These groups often have special requirements to join (such as confirming that you are in a relationship with a LEO and what department they work for).
These groups are a healthy outlet for spouses to vent, provide advice and ask for help when problems involving LEOW stress arises. For the most part, trolls and negative comments are not tolerated.
This creates a safe space for individuals to voice the truths behind how they feel. While voicing these truths, much conversation is sparked.
Having this community allows LEOW’s to feel like a valued member of the huge community that exists in law enforcement. Many will post pictures of their LEO, children, recipes and support.
Apparel
LEOW’s are strong proponents for their spouse’s profession. So much so that it is not uncommon to open a LEOW’s closet and see a stream of blue colors.
Many companies have gotten on the band wagon with support for LEO by creating thin blue line apparel and accessories.
This is a great way to publicly show support for the profession as a whole. I have gone as far as to have a custom decal made with the thin blue line flag down the sides of my truck. This is my small way to show that I stand by not only my husband, but police officers as a whole.
One of the neatest items that I have seen are these thin blue line rings. Amazon sells these for men and women and I am considering getting them for my husband and I. I like that you can buy them in varying widths.
Having little items like these inexpensive rubber bracelets are also a popular way to show support. We have been given these from friends who buy them in bulk. They are comfortable, easy to wear and they make a major statement by having one on.
I believe that by sporting my thin blue line apparel and accessories (I don’t have much, although I know people who go all-in), it helps to build unity with this profession.
Conclusion
I am proud to be a LEOW and I have never someone who is with an officer that feels any different. This community is amazing and the increased awareness makes it more and more comfortable to live this lifestyle.
Having various platforms and support systems enables me to know that there are like-minded people who deal with the same struggles that I do as a LEOW. This support makes the difficult times easier to overcome.
The pride that I have for my husband grows each day and as a LEOW, I am dedicated to continuing to bring awareness to the humanity that exists behind the badge.
Dear LEO Warriors, if any of this resonates with you, I want you to know that you are not alone. I think that a primitive warrior exists inside of you that is begging to come out. I can’t wait to meet you and help to uncover this for you. Sign up for our newsletter and receive resourceful information that is completely curated around YOU. If you have a writing suggestion, please comment below. Follow us on Instagram and Like us on Facebook @leowarriors1.
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