As we mark Women’s History Month, it’s important to acknowledge the vital role women play in law enforcement and examine how we can better support their success in our profession. California has long been at the forefront of advancing women in policing — from Alice Wells becoming the nation’s first policewoman with the LAPD in 1910 to Margaret Adams making history as America’s first female deputy sheriff with L.A. County in 1912.
Today, women make up approximately 14% of sworn officers in state and local law enforcement agencies across the U.S. Research consistently demonstrates that increasing female representation in law enforcement leads to improved public safety outcomes and an increase in effective policing. Women officers bring unique perspectives and skills to the job, enhancing the overall capabilities of their departments.
Additionally, studies have shown that women officers are particularly effective in handling domestic violence calls and are able to better handle sexual assault cases and cases involving juveniles. Their presence also tends to foster greater community trust and cooperation. Despite these clear benefits, about 40% of law enforcement agencies nationwide still have no full-time women officers. This gap represents a significant opportunity for improvement in our profession, both in terms of representation and operational effectiveness.
This is why PORAC supports evidence-based initiatives to recruit and retain the best possible people, which include women, in law enforcement. We recognize that diversity in our ranks strengthens our ability to serve and protect our communities effectively. We are encouraged to see that 49 California agencies have signed onto the 30×30 Initiative, which aims to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030 (30x30initiative.org).
This initiative aligns with our goal of attracting top talent from all backgrounds. It’s important to note that this isn’t just about meeting quotas — it’s about creating a culture of excellence and implementing policies that allow all officers to succeed and thrive in their careers. By fostering an environment where every officer can reach their full potential, we enhance the overall effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies. PORAC is committed to supporting programs and policies that remove barriers to entry and advancement, ensuring that our profession attracts and retains the most qualified individuals who are dedicated to serving their communities.
Many California departments are taking innovative steps to reach this ambitious goal. Women’s hiring expos for law enforcement have become increasingly popular, offering a tailored approach to recruitment that addresses the unique concerns and interests of potential female officers. These events provide opportunities for women to meet current female officers and gain insights into the application and training processes.
The San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA) has implemented a groundbreaking child care center specifically designed for law enforcement families, addressing one of the major challenges faced by officers with children (tinyurl.com/yemdfepc). This initiative recognizes the unique scheduling demands of police work and provides a supportive solution that can significantly impact the recruitment and retention of officers, particularly women. Additionally, the California Police Chiefs Association has been instrumental in advancing women in law enforcement through its Women in Law Enforcement Leadership Symposium (tinyurl.com/yc3rw4ay). These events offer valuable networking opportunities, leadership development workshops and discussions on overcoming gender-specific challenges in the field, further supporting the career growth and advancement of women officers across the state.
PORAC continues to advocate for policies and legislation that support all peace officers in their careers while removing unnecessary barriers to advancement. We’re working with legislators to expand programs like the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, which would help departments establish child care options that accommodate law enforcement schedules across the nation (tinyurl.com/mry2vjkh). We’re also pushing for increased funding for recruitment and retention programs that help departments build more representative forces.
Our advocacy extends beyond legislation. PORAC is committed to providing research and resources that help our members and departments implement evidence-based practices for recruitment, retention and advancement. Our new research brief on women in law enforcement represents just one component of this broader initiative. The brief examines the critical role women play in police operations and the opportunities ahead for creating more equitable workplaces through targeted recruitment strategies, improved workplace policies and fostering an inclusive culture. I encourage you to review this new research brief on women in law enforcement, which you can find on the PORAC website under our “Research” tab (porac.org/research).
In 2025, I encourage us all to look for ways to support policies that strengthen recruitment and retention, enhance workplace support systems and expand leadership pathways for all qualified officers. The future of effective law enforcement depends on building departments with the best possible people that reflect the communities we serve.
This pursuit of excellence requires a commitment to continuous improvement, rigorous training and the embrace of innovative practices. We must foster an environment where every officer can thrive and contribute their unique skills and perspectives. By taking concrete steps to advance women in policing, we enrich our profession with a broader range of talents and approaches to problem-solving. This commitment makes our profession stronger and our communities safer. Together, we can ensure California law enforcement continues to lead the way.