By Suzie Ziegler
Dozens of agencies are signing a pledge to diversify their police force. The 30x30 Initiative challenges departments to recruit classes of at least 30% women by 2030.
But the initiative’s goal is not just to increase the number of women in policing. The pledge also aims “to ensure police policies and culture intentionally support the success of qualified women officers throughout their careers.”
Over 40 law enforcement agencies have since signed the pledge. They range from massive city departments, like the NYPD and Houston PD, to state police and rural agencies.
According to organizers, women make up 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the United States.
“This under-representation of women in policing undermines public safety,” the group’s website reads.
Agency leaders interested in signing the pledge can send an email to 30x30@policingproject.org to get started. In signing the pledge, agencies agree to report on their efforts to identify and address obstacles women officers face in recruitment and throughout their careers, according to organizers. The first of the progress reports are expected later in 2021.
According to the Policing Project, the 30x30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations, including the founding partners Policing Project and NAWLEE (National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), National Police Foundation, and the International Association of Women Police.
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