The 30 × 30 initiative: Seeking to improve public safety and transform departments by advancing women in policing

Abstract

Abstract Women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leaders in the United States, and these numbers have remained stagnant for decades. While this is concerning from a gender equity perspective, it is also concerning from a public safety perspective, as a growing body of research demonstrates the unique value of women officers - from fewer uses of excessive force, to improved trust with diverse communities, to better outcomes for victims of crime. The 30x30 Initiative is a national grassroots effort to improve both the representation and experiences of women in policing, with the ultimate goal of improving public safety outcomes across communities. After nearly three years of implementation in over 300 law enforcement agencies, 30x30 has produced a robust body of promising practices, demographic data, and lessons learned about what works and what matters for advancing women in the profession. In the coming years, these efforts will expand through support for the US Department of Justice to analyze agency trends, understand promising practices to advance gender equity in other industries, and develop an evidence-informed implementation guide for all public agencies seeking to address gender equity and improve inclusivity in the workplace.