This article about Brandalyn Crapo highlights her trailblazing journey within the Idaho State Police ISP, where she broke barriers to become the highest-ranking female officer in the agency’s history.
Joining the ISP in 2014, Crapo has held various positions, including patrol, DUI team, and criminal interdiction, and was promoted to lieutenant in December 2023.
Her rise to leadership is not only a personal achievement but a representation of opportunities opening up for women in law enforcement.
Crapo’s determination, bolstered by strong female mentors and her upbringing on a family farm in eastern Idaho, carried her through moments of self-doubt and challenges.
She has navigated the male-dominated environment of law enforcement, proving her capabilities and leadership through critical incidents, including the Boise mall shooting and high-stakes pursuits.
Her journey has not been without hardship, including moments when she questioned her place in the police force, particularly during ISP Academy when she was the only remaining female after others had dropped out.
Despite these challenges, Crapo has become an inspirational figure for women aspiring to enter law enforcement. Her resilience, dedication, and desire to help others continue to define her career, and she credits her late mother, her wife Danielle, and other influential women for shaping her path.
Crapo’s story is a powerful example of breaking the glass ceiling and proving that persistence and courage can lead to monumental success in traditionally male-dominated fields.