The UW-Madison Police Department is proud to support the national 30×30 Initiative — an effort to increase the representation of women in police departments to at least 30 percent by 2030, and to ensure policies and culture intentionally support the success of qualified women officers throughout their careers. While 30×30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these principles are applicable to all demographic diversity — not just gender.
Nationally, women make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership in the U.S. UWPD has already well-surpassed the national average, with 24 percent sworn female officers and 35 percent in sworn leadership positions (sergeants and above). But, we know we have more work to do.
UWPD signed on to the pledge in spring 2021 — we’ve committed to a series of low- and no-cost actions to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The activities help police departments like ours assess the current state of a department with regard to gender equity and identify factors that may be driving any disparities. The process will help UWPD develop and implement strategies and solutions to eliminate barriers and advance women in policing.
More than 140 agencies – from major metro departments including the New York City Police Department, to mid-sized, rural, university, and state policing agencies – have signed the 30×30 Pledge. The pledge is based on social science research that greater representation of women on police forces leads to better policing outcomes for communities.
Learn more about the 30×30 Initiative here.