Association News

IACLEA is pleased to announce a new partnership with the 30X30 Initiative, a national initiative to advance policing by increasing the number of women in law enforcement. Its ultimate goal is to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30 percent by 2030, and to ensure police policies and culture intentionally support the success of qualified women officers throughout their careers.

In the United States, women currently make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and three percent of police leadership. According to 30X30’s website, this under-representation of women in policing undermines public safety. Research shows women officers use less force and less excessive force when faced with the same circumstances than their male counterparts, are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits, are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate, see better outcomes for crime victims, and make fewer discretionary arrests.

“With recruiting and retaining officers such a significant challenge right now, IACLEA was excited to begin working with 30x30 to become a partner on this important initiative,” said IACLEA President Patrick Ogden. “Through this partnership, IACLEA hopes to not only increase the number of women in policing, but also to help its members with the difficulty many have had when it comes to recruitment and retention,” he added.

“30x30 provides free programs, toolkits, and evidence-based practices on how to better recruit and retain female officers,” said IACLEA Director-at-Large Kristen Roman, Chief of Police at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“We signed on to this initiative early on, and while UWPD currently sits at about 25 percent female, we—like so many agencies—continue to strive to diversify our ranks,” Roman continued. “30X30 aligns with our department’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Policing as a profession has a responsibility to meaningfully contribute to a more equitable society and our involvement with this initiative is another demonstration of this commitment.”

The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in police agencies across the United States. 

Visit 30X30 online at https://30x30initiative.org/