A Shortage in the Police Department

What's wrong with this picture?

This is 5'4" police officer Julie Ann Welch who arrested the 7' perp standing next to her...after a fight in which a citizen had to step in to help. I'm not questioning Officer Welch's courage or dedication to the job, but I do have to question how someone 5'4" becomes a police officer. Granted, wrestling a 7 footer would be difficult for most people, but have we allowed our standards for officers to decline to where it's becoming unsafe for officer and citizen alike?

Twenty years ago police departments had minimum height and strength requirements that would have precluded a 5'4" person of either sex (or all six sexes if you wish) from becoming an officer. In an effort to satisfy various quota programs, those requirements were either scrapped or dramatically weakened. Thus, we have 5'4" police officers.

I took some police science courses in college, and one of the things the veterans talked about was "officer presence", or the ability of an officer to walk into a chaotic scene and immediately gain the respect of the folks who need policing. Being 5'4" cannot possibly be a plus when it comes to "officer presence".

I'm glad she prevailed in her fight, but wonder if this was really her best career choice.