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Hosted by the Waco Police Department, Mark43 and 30×30 announce listening session to increase the representation of women in policing

Mark43 and 30x30 join forces with Waco Police to host a listening session TODAY to identify solutions to recruit and retain women in law enforcement
20 October 2022   •   3 minute read

Today, leading public safety technology company Mark43 and the 30×30 Initiative, a national effort to advance women in policing, announced a listening session hosted by the Waco Police Department. Currently, more than 200 law enforcement agencies have taken the 30×30 pledge: a commitment to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030.

Today’s session includes participants from the following law enforcement agencies:

  • Arlington Police Department
  • Austin Police Department
  • City of Denton Police Department
  • Dallas College Police
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Houston Metro Police Department
  • McLennan Community College Police
  • San Antonio Police Department
  • University of North Texas Police Department
  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Police Department 
  • Waco Police Department
  • Waco Department of Public Safety
  • Waco Independent School District Police Department

This marks 30×30’s fourth listening session, following successful meetings in Baltimore County, Maryland, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Boulder, Colorado. Each stop across the country, co-hosted by Mark43 and 30×30, is specifically designed to capture actionable insights to help attract more women to law enforcement careers and support their professional development. Following the focus groups, Mark43 and 30×30 will share findings and additional recommendations for law enforcement agencies.

Chief of Waco Police Department Sheryl D. Victorian, PhD said: “Leading a 21st century police agency requires police executives to be intentional about creating a culture of diversity and inclusiveness. The 30×30 initiative has created a roadmap for law enforcement agencies to reevaluate the cultural norms and practices that may limit opportunities for women and create changes that allow women to thrive and be successful in policing.” 

Ganesha Martin, Mark43 Vice President of Community Affairs, Public Policy and Advisory Services and a Steering Committee Member of the 30×30 Initiative said: “These listening sessions have proven to be a powerful tool in the critical work of finding solutions to recruit and retain women in law enforcement. We are proud to partner with 30×30 and the Waco Police Department on this critical effort to help pave the way for more diverse and representative police forces. This listening session is of particular importance as a Baylor alumni – I’m thrilled to be returning home.”

Chief Ivonne Roman (ret.), former Chief of the Newark, N.J. Police Department and co-founder of the 30×30 Initiative said: “Each listening session has generated actionable ideas and I look forward to hearing the new ideas and fresh perspectives in Waco. Research shows that women produce better outcomes for police departments through their communication skills, through their interpersonal skills and satisfaction from citizens. We are thrilled to partner with Mark43 on this important effort to hear from women serving their communities all across the country and joining together to move the policing profession forward.” 

Nationwide, women comprise only 12 percent of sworn law enforcement personnel and only 3 percent of leadership positions. Research shows that when there is a larger proportion of female officers, we observe better public safety outcomes. Mark43 is committed to supporting programs that develop public safety workforces reflective of the communities they serve. Communities thrive when they see themselves represented in local policies, practices, and personnel. 

Mark43 encourages law enforcement agencies to take the 30×30 Pledge and commit to increasing women recruits to 30 percent by 2030.

About 30×30

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 and Canada. 30×30 was founded with the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), with support from Microsoft’s Justice Reform Initiative. More about how to get involved, participating agencies and partnered professional organizations can be found at 30x30initiative.org.

About Mark43

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native, public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Mark43 partners with more than 120 local, state and federal public safety agencies, transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.