Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Police Department has officially joined the 30×30 Initiative, a national movement aimed at improving the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. By participating in this initiative, the department commits to implementing actions that will foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace for sworn women officers across all ranks.
Strengthening Representation and Equity in Law Enforcement
The 30×30 Initiative seeks to increase the percentage of women in recruit classes to at least 30% by 2030 while ensuring that police agencies create unbiased policies that support the hiring, retention, and promotion of female officers. The initiative is based on extensive social science research, which has demonstrated that greater gender diversity in law enforcement leads to improved public safety outcomes and stronger community relationships.
Through this commitment, the Dayton Police Department will evaluate its policies, hiring practices, and workplace culture to identify and eliminate any barriers that may prevent women from thriving in policing careers. The initiative also emphasizes that while the focus is on increasing representation for women, these principles apply to all demographic characteristics to ensure fairness and inclusivity for everyone in the department.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting its significance in fostering a diverse and effective police force.
“Our department is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse group of officers who bring different perspectives and strengths to policing,” said Chief Afzal. “Joining the 30×30 Initiative is an important step toward ensuring that women have equal opportunities to thrive in law enforcement careers while helping us better serve the people of Dayton.”
As part of the initiative, the department will assess its policies and operational structures to ensure they align with the goals of 30×30. In the coming months, Dayton police leadership will work to identify any necessary improvements in recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion to build a more supportive and inclusive environment for female officers.
Nationwide Recognition for Dayton’s Commitment
The 30×30 Initiative has gained traction across the country, with numerous law enforcement agencies adopting its principles. Maureen McGough, co-founder of 30×30 and former policing expert at the U.S. Department of Justice, commended the Dayton Police Department for its dedication to advancing women in law enforcement.
“We are grateful to the Dayton Police Department for committing to being a part of this growing movement,” said McGough. “We believe strongly that advancing women in policing is critical to improving public safety outcomes. We look forward to continuing to grow this initiative and having more agencies follow DPD’s lead by committing to improving the representation and experiences of women in policing.”
A Step Toward a More Representative Future
By joining the 30×30 Initiative, the Dayton Police Department is taking a proactive role in shaping the future of law enforcement. Ensuring equitable opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups will not only strengthen the police force but also build greater trust and engagement with the community.
As the department works to integrate these changes, it remains committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves while upholding the highest standards of fairness, professionalism, and public safety.
