Dermot Shea
Police Commissioner, New York City Police Department
New York, New York
Transcript
Hello everyone. I’m thrilled to report that the New York City Police Department has signed the 30×30 Pledge, which is our commitment to advance the representation of women in law enforcement. We know that our ability to deliver public safety will be greatly enhanced by improving the experiences of women in the NYPD, and by better reflecting the diversity of all the communities we serve.
Currently, women make up nearly 19% of our uniform membership. But given that more than half of New Yorkers are women, there’s clearly room for improvement. At this moment in history, it’s absolutely critical for us to move beyond the status quo, and to deeply consider not just what police do, but who police are. I am committed to ensuring that our police department is one that is free from bias, and one in which all officers are supported, valued, and have fair and equal access to career advancement.
I’m deeply proud that the NYPD is among the first to sign the 30×30 Pledge, and I hope that our promise to advance women in policing inspires others to also give this important issue the attention it demands.
Thank you all, and stay safe.
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.