Women first began to appear in police departments in the early 20th century… An examination of the early history of women in policing indicates that the work of moral reformers was instrumental in the emergence of policewomen. During the late 19th century, women’s advocacy groups were heavily involved in social issues. Examples of their efforts include the creation of a separate court for juvenile offenders as well as crime prevention out-reach related to the protection of young women from immoral sexual influences.