Shaun Ferguson

Transcript

I am honored that the New Orleans Police Department has been invited to join the 30×30 Initiative and sign the pledge.

At a time when new thinking and different approaches to law enforcement are required, it is vital that policing leadership be diversified—not only by race, but just as crucially, by gender. The 30×30 Pledge is the ideal path by which to bring more women into the leadership ranks at NOPD, and throughout law enforcement.

By committing to this pledge, NOPD will build upon progress already made here in the Crescent City. It is especially important to have women well-represented in our leadership ranks. Not only would different perspectives be brought to solving many of the problems facing modern law enforcement—their presence would reflect the community, which in turn will increase the community’s confidence in their police department.

Currently, 23% of NOPD’s commissioned officers are women. And while we are certainly proud of that, there’s no reason we can’t further improve and do more to broaden the leadership approach here. As the world watches how police officers conduct themselves in their daily interactions with the public they serve and protect, it is crucial that we pay just as much attention to who we are as well as what we do.

I look forward to making the 30×30 Pledge a reality, and supporting the success and advancement of the women currently in our ranks, and those that would join us in the future.