Gender Equity in Policing: Utilizing the Power of Collaboration
Need a lifeline? We’re here for you. Visit WAEPA.org.
The prompt for this round of the FEDforum is ongoing operations. This week, hear from the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE).
Despite our continuous pursuit to ensure equal opportunity at all levels, women still only represent 13% of Federal law enforcement officers and agents, and 12% of officers and officials within the state and local ranks.
This declarative statement proves that achieving the goals of gender equity and equality will require an even stronger level of Communication, Collaboration, and Commitment between our high-ranking decision makers throughout Federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Consequently, the three C’s effectively describe the main tenets of our pro-active non-profit organization -- Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) – and we have been working diligently over the past 22 years to create a level playing field for women. In fact, WIFLE’s Annual Leadership Training serves as a catalyst for change by providing the most innovative training for attendees to advance to the upper echelons of leadership within their respective law enforcement organizations.
Why is WIFLE determined to support these important initiatives?
Because the future success of women in law enforcement depends on it! WIFLE also places a high priority on maintaining effective partnerships to improve the representation of women in law enforcement.
On September 7-8, 2022, WIFLE was invited to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Program’s Law Enforcement Summit entitled Women in Blue: Improving Public Safety and Transforming Policing.
Through the support of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Director Karhlton Moore, the Summit featured Co-Founders Mo McGough and Ivonne Roman of the “30x30 Initiative” whose primary goal is: “Advancing Women in Policing 30% Women Recruits by 2030.”
Their main impetus is based on the fact that under-representation of women in policing undermines public safety. During the Summit, the 30x30 leaders confirmed that research shows women officers use less force and less excessive force; are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits; are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate; see better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases; and make fewer discretionary arrests.
What prompted the creation of the 30x30 Initiative, who are the members of this coalition, and what is their ultimate goal?
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 policing agencies across the United States. Their ultimate goal is to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030, and to ensure police policies and culture intentionally support the success of qualified women officers throughout their careers.
WIFLE is proud to support the “30X30 Initiative” and we are cognizant of the role of maintaining a diversity and inclusive work environment in order to better ensure the success of our collaborative law enforcement partnerships.
Fact: What began more than 53 years ago with the signing of President Richard Nixon’s Executive Order 11478 on August 8, 1969, is still quite relevant today. The E.O. provided equal opportunity in employment for all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age – and, today, it protects all people from being discrimination against because of sexual orientation, gender identities, and pregnancy.
Research proves that Black women and other women of color, in particular, face compounding experiences of discrimination and harassment because of race, ethnicity, and gender – including transgender, non-binary, and non-conforming.
In closing, it is imperative for diversity and inclusion to become more than popular buzzwords. Acknowledging the power and impact of “walking the talk” in support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility – can be viewed as a clarion call for action. Agencies, organizations, and departments worldwide are being held accountable for creating a workplace that ensures a welcoming environment for everyone – especially women in law enforcement who have taken the solemn oath to protect and serve.
Do women in law enforcement deserve an equal opportunity to maximize their talents, capabilities, and skilled intellectual bandwidth in this profession? Of course! If you believe in this statement, let us continue to take advantage of our existing partnerships and utilize our collective intelligence to better prepare women to excel beyond their highest career potential – and chart the course for future generations to follow!
This column from the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) is part of the FEDforum, an initiative to unite voices across the federal community. The FEDforum is a space for federal employee and law enforcement groups to share their organizations’ initiatives and activities with the FEDagent audience.
Be sure to subscribe to FEDagent so you never miss an update!