SJPD Joins 30x30 Initiative to Advance Women in Policing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

The San José Police Department has joined the 30x30 Initiative by signing the pledge 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 and in all ranks.

Currently, women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the United States. Women make up 13% of sworn officers in the San José Police Department. Research has shown that women officers benefit the community and create better outcomes for crime victims, especially in gender-based violence cases.

The 30×30 Initiative is a national coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to progress the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement agencies across the United States. Hundreds of police departments from across the nation have signed the 30x30 Initiative pledge.

“We need a police department that reflects our community — half of which is women,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “As we focus on increasing our ranks through recruitment and retention, we have a huge opportunity to make a career in law enforcement more accessible and desirable for female recruits while making San José safer along the way.”

"This initiative is an opportunity to learn from best practices in law enforcement agencies throughout the nation," stated San José Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei. "We can look at strategies that have worked and implement them to recruit and hire more women. The City of San José is committed to greater diversity and inclusion and has great opportunities. We hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for more women to join us."

“A more inclusive police department is more effective at meeting the needs of the community it serves. The data is clear,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “By signing on to the 30x30 Initiative, the City of San Jose Police Department is pledging to maintain a culture that values and retains female talent for the betterment of our residents and City.”

“The San José Police Department has always made strides in advancing women in policing, including our annual participation at the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Symposium and hosting our own Women in Law Enforcement Forum," stated SJPD Chief Anthony Mata. "Joining this initiative demonstrates our commitment to continuing our goal of increasing women representation at SJPD.” 

Visit https://30x30initiative.org/ to learn more about the 30x30 Initiative.