Bloomington Police looking to enhance the experience of women on force; signs 30×30 pledge

Posted on November 16, 2021
The 30×30 initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives. (Photo courtesy: Flick/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Police Department is pledging to enhance the experiences of women in law enforcement.

The department signed on to the 30×30 Pledge, a series of low and no-cost actions policing agencies to identify factors that improve women’s experiences on the force.

“This pledge is designed to support our existing employees by ensuring our policies and practices allow everyone at the police department an equal opportunity to succeed as well as implementing new strategies to attract more qualified candidates,” Chief Jamal Simington said in a news release.

The goal of the pledge is to reach 30% of women in police recruit classes by 2030.

“We will be deliberate and intentional over the next decade in shaping our department’s culture, hiring practices, promotional testing, and a mentorship program to help all offices’ equal chance to succeed,” Chief Simington added. “I encourage women and others who are interested in serving and partnering with the public to give the Bloomington Police Department a look.”

According to a news release, women make up 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership positions in the United States.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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