Michael Harrison
Police Commissioner, Baltimore Police Department
Baltimore, Maryland
Transcript
Hello. I am Police Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
Women in law enforcement continue to have a significant impact on the culture of policing, and contributions to the profession. Historically, policing was viewed as a male-dominated profession. But we know today that women bring a heightened level of problem-solving, compassion, intelligence, and even legitimacy to our departments and this noble profession.
Women officers tend to be more effective in defusing potentially violent situations, and are less likely to engage in conduct that is unbecoming of a police officer. We at the Baltimore Police Department understand the important of women’s representation, not just in our patrol ranks, but also in the command and leadership level.
I am committing our department’s participation in the 30×30 Initiative to increase the representation of women in our department by 30% by 2030. While women currently represent 16% of our department, I know that having more women represented will spark additional innovation and creativity. We know that right now is a crucial time in policing and police reform in our country, and we must continue to recruit, retain, and support women officers and leaders.
By participating in the 30×30 Initiative, more women on the force will only help the profession in ushering in the next generation of women in policing.
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.