Officer Lauren Connell
The University of Arizona Police Department
Tucson, Arizona
What motivates you to succeed?
My daughter. Since she was old enough to recognize what it was that I do for a living, she’s always been very excited about my career and proud of what I do.
What’s your most memorable moment on the job?
It’s hard to select just one moment out of over 13 years of work. I have a lot of very fond memories on the job. Being selected to the K9 had been a career-long goal, and to achieve it was one of my proudest moments.
What challenges have you faced?
I think the change over the last several years, especially over the last year, in the public perception of police has been very challenging. I am surrounded by officers who step up and go above and beyond and treat people with the utmost respect, and to watch not only myself, but all of them be negatively judged based on what someone sees in the media, it’s disheartening.
What advice do you have for women considering this profession?
Have a healthy hobby outside of work. There will be calls and situations and people that will challenge you mentally, physically and emotionally. Having a healthy outlet to decompress is so important to maintaining good mental and physical health.
How we’re changing policing
The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations committed to advancing and supporting the representation, experiences, and well-being of women at all levels of law enforcement, both in the U.S. and beyond.
Research shows that women play a crucial role in building community trust, de-escalating conflict, and improving public safety outcomes, with evidence linked to reduced use of force and enhanced relationships with the communities they serve. However, women represent less than 14% of sworn officers and 20% of recruits in state and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, about 40% of the approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have no full-time women officers (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics).
We are collaborating with hundreds of agencies to make law enforcement a profession where qualified women who are drawn to it feel welcomed and supported while ensuring agencies address their unique needs and foster their success.