Initiative launched to show support to women in law enforcement

Yahoo

24-03-2025

(FOX40.COM) —The Peace Office Research Association of California, located in Sacramento, released new research highlighting the importance of women in law enforcement as agencies and organizations launch initiatives to support the recruitment and retention of female officers.
PORAC said the new issue brief emphasizes the contributions women in law enforcement make, including strengthening public trust, improving policing outcomes, and fostering safer communities.
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Key takeaways from the brief include:
Female Officers Improve Community Policing: Research shows that female officers are linked to decreased use of force, improved community trust, and better outcomes for crime victims.
Underrepresentation is a Nationwide Problem: Women make up only 14% of sworn officers, 20% of recruits, and less than 9% of chiefs in state and local law enforcement agencies across the US.
Recruitment & Retention Barriers Persist: Workplace cultures, gender biases, and inadequate family support policies can impact recruitment, retention, and advancement for female officers.
Enhancing Workplace Policies is Key: To build upon progress and broaden pathways into law enforcement for female officers, agencies must implement workplace policies and resources that support working parents – like increasing on-site childcare options and investing in professional development programs.
Meanwhile, women remain underrepresented and continue to face barriers in recruitment, retention, and advancement, according to PORAC. The brief acknowledges the challenges women face and calls for reforms that build better law enforcement.
'Women have long played a crucial role in law enforcement, bringing invaluable skills and perspectives that strengthen public safety,' said Brian Marvel, President of PORAC. 'As we recognize Women's History Month, this report underscores the strides we've made in supporting women in policing while pointing to the ongoing efforts needed to elevate their presence and ensure they have the resources and opportunities to succeed at every level.'
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PORAC said initiatives across the country are supporting female officers as a way to address the challenges women face in law enforcement. This includes the 30×30 Initiative which is collaborating with agencies to provide resources for female officers.
Over 400 agencies, 49 in California, have signed the pledge to increase female representation to 30% by 2030.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Police Officers Association's launch of the nation's first law enforcement-focused childcare center, as an additional step to support women in law enforcement.
'We've committed to improving policing – making it fairer, addressing barriers, and ensuring women's unique needs are met,' said Dr. Tanya Meisenholder, Lead of the 30×30 Initiative. 'We examine what attracts women to the profession – and what pushes them out. Our work focuses on recruitment, hiring, and other critical processes and strategies. We help agencies evaluate their policies to ensure fairness and eliminate bias. But the toughest challenge? Transforming organizational culture – changing the way an agency operates from the inside out.'
PORAC said they are committed to, 'advocating for policies that ensure female officers have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in law enforcement.'
These policies include:
Tailored recruitment efforts
Enhanced workplace policies to support working parents
Expanded leadership development programs.
According to PORAC, as they prioritize these reforms, they can build a stronger, more representative workforce that benefits officers, agencies, and the communities they serve.
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