BISMARCK – Wanted: women for law enforcement.
That’s the purpose behind the 30x30 Initiative scheduled to kick-off here in early February. 30x30 is a coalition of professional law enforcement organizations looking to increase the number of women in the ranks of law enforcement. The goal is to reach 30% by 2030.
“Right now we have 10 to 13 percent women in law enforcement statewide,” said Sgt. Jenna Clawson, North Dakota Highway Patrol. “HP has about 4%. We want to more accurately represent the community we serve.”
"We want to more accurately represent the community we serve.” Sgt. Jenna Clawson, North Dakota Highway Patrol
Minot Police boast one of the highest rates of female officers in the state at approximately 20%, and those officers are setting a precedent for others to follow.
Clawson says an effort is being made to encourage female law enforcement officers to prompt other women to consider a career in law enforcement. She is encouraged by the effort, noting that about half the attendees at the latest Law Enforcement Youth Academy for high school age students were women.
“Every participant is usually individually recruited. That shows us, in real time, that women can recruit other women,” remarked Clawson. “It’s kind of a trial run. They definitely see the benefit of that to our agency.”
Today only a limited number of women consider a career in law enforcement. It is a resource that Clawson says is “untapped” and that can add to law enforcement agencies all across the board.
“It’s a place to start, to keep trying to make things better.”Clawson
“I’m passionate about it. Women bring different types of solutions,” stated Clawson. “It’s a place to start, to keep trying to make things better.”
Clawson says people she encounters while in uniform are often caught by surprise, expecting to see a male HP trooper.
“I get called 'sir' a lot,” laughed Clawson “We just take it with part of the job. My advice is to let women know they can do this. Have confidence. They are completely capable.”
Currently NDHP employs 7 female officers. Anyone interested in joining the ranks, said Clawson, is welcome to inquire about participating in a ride-along with an HP trooper to gain a better perspective of what the job entails.
The 30x30 Pledge signing will be held Feb. 10, 1:30 p.m., in the Brynhild Haugland Room at the State Capitol. Col. Brandon Solberg, NDHP supervisor, and all NDHP women troopers will be in attendance and available to answer questions.
