By the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)
In the ever-evolving field of law enforcement, it is essential to attract and retain the most talented individuals who can drive progress and enhance safety. Police agencies are looking to diversify the next generation of qualified officers so communities can see themselves represented in their local police. Many recruits and individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement have questions and are unsure how to prepare for what could be an incredible and rewarding career.
Attracting the next generation of officers
The Advancing Service-oriented Policing through Inclusion, Relationship-building, & Engagement (ASPIRE) Program, a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) funded project, is designed to research and develop promising practices to attract the next generation of law enforcement officers. ASPIRE allows individuals considering a career in policing the chance to explore just how rewarding a position in law enforcement can be.
The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Law Enforcement Executives & Administrators Association (HBCU LEAA) are partnered with Research Triangle Institute International (RTI) on this innovative project to support efforts to reach diverse audiences when recruiting law enforcement candidates.
As part of its mission, NAWLEE seeks to lead, inspire and mentor not only those in law enforcement but also those who are thinking about their careers and perhaps have yet to even envision a career in law enforcement, so the project for NAWLEE is a natural fit.
Advantages of intentionally fostering diversity
As police departments strive to enhance their recruiting efforts, intentionally fostering diversity becomes crucial. Organizing girls-only open houses and youth-based camps to pique young women’s interest in law enforcement not only serves this purpose but also offers additional advantages.
Some of the positive aspects of these types of events include:
Encouragement and empowerment: Events focusing on young women provide an opportunity for them to see themselves in roles traditionally dominated by men. It also provides the participants with the confidence and motivation to pursue careers in law enforcement.
Role models and mentorship: When young women connect with female officers and other women in the field, they can develop relationships with positive role models and often find a mentor. Spending time with successful women public safety professionals can inspire young women to aspire to be like the session leaders. The officers can then provide guidance on how to prepare for entering the profession.
Safe and supportive environment: A girls-only setting can create a safe and supportive environment where young women feel more comfortable asking questions, expressing their interests and trying new things without the added pressure of a co-ed setting.
Addressing gender imbalances: We know that law enforcement agencies struggle with gender imbalances. In 40 years, the percentage of women in the field has risen less than 10% (from 5% to 13.7%). Events focused on young women can help attract a more diverse and representative workforce.
Capture interest early and create career paths: By focusing on youth members of the community these types of programs can generate early interest in law enforcement careers, rather than trying to persuade someone to join after they have already made another career choice. Gaining the interest of young women during their teens can influence their educational choices and their final career destiny.
Community engagement: Even if participants do not choose to enter the law enforcement profession, these events help foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Creating allies with youth in the community can help rebuild trust with the police.
Case study: Fairfax County Police Department
The approach for developing and structuring programs for girls and young women can vary depending on the resources available but many agencies are finding creative ways to combat barriers and maximize program participation. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) of Fairfax, Virginia is leading the way and serving as a prime example for other agencies.
NAWLEE member Captain Deanna Weand is managing FCPD’s Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Program to provide young women the opportunity to learn first-hand about core police functions and explore what it takes to become a police officer.
“One of the biggest hindrances to women applying to police departments is the physical concern that they’re not going to stack up, or measure up, or be able to hold up against male counterparts,” notes Weand. “I tell people it’s easier than you think it is and you don’t give yourself enough credit. If it’s something you’re interested in doing you should absolutely pursue it.”
The program, offered at no cost to participants, takes place July 29-August 2, 2024 and as Weand described, “offers a combination of classroom learning and hands-on activities while also focusing on female law enforcement officers from our department as presenters. Each one of those presenters gets an opportunity to talk about what attracted them to law enforcement and what they’ve gotten from it.”
Through the program, participants learn about the many facets of law enforcement, including patrol, crime scene investigation, the helicopter division, women in law enforcement, recruiting, leadership skills, career opportunities and much more.
Programs like Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement can help combat the challenges associated with recruiting in law enforcement and pave the way for aspiring law enforcement officers to succeed and thrive in their careers. By teaming up with students, law enforcement and the community, ASPIRE can help support the recruiting and educational efforts of law enforcement agencies, like FCPD, and elevate policing as an exciting and promising profession.
For more information on ASPIRE, visit https://aspire-project.org or email aspire-project@rti.org.
About the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)
The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) is the first organization established to address the unique needs of women holding senior management positions in law enforcement. NAWLEE is a non-profit organization sponsored and administered directly by law enforcement practitioners. The NAWLEE mission is to serve and further the interests of women executives and those who aspire to be executives in law enforcement. The general purpose and mission of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, Inc. shall be to promote the ideals and principles of women executives in law enforcement; to conduct training seminars to train, and educate women executives in law enforcement; including but not limited to the areas of leadership, management, and administration; to provide a forum for the exchange of information concerning law enforcement, and generally fostering effective law enforcement. NAWLEE also provides mentoring opportunities for women at all stages of their careers. NAWLEE also provides opportunities for men and women in senior management positions to better understand how to retain and mentor women in their organizations. NAWLEE Foundation Inc. is a registered 501c3.
NEXT: NAWLEE Executive Director Kym Craven speaks to Police1 about the value of the NAWLEE annual conference for female police leaders: