Ken Clary
Police Chief, Bellevue Police Department
Bellevue, Nebraska
Transcript
Hello, I’m Ken Clary. I’m the police chief in Bellevue, Nebraska. We’re excited to partner with the Policing Project and be among the first to sign the 30×30 Pledge.
Dozens of studies over the last three decades have proven it is beneficial to have a diverse police force, and one that is representative of the community they serve. Women make up over 50% of society, yet make up only 12 to 13% of law enforcement officers. That number has been stagnant since the mid-1980s.
Women make great officers for many reasons, including being less likely to be involved in use-of-force incidents, and less likely to be sued for use of force. This movement is past due.
We’ve signed the pledge, and we urge your department to do the same.
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.