The Urbana Police Department has signed on to the 30×30 Pledge – a series of low- and no-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences
of women in law enforcement. The activities help policing agencies assess the current state of a department about gender equity, identify factors that may be driving any
disparities and develop and implement strategies and solutions to eliminate barriers and advance women in policing. These actions address recruitment, assessment, hiring,
retention, promotion, and agency culture.

Pledge is the foundational effort of the 30×30 Initiative – a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the
representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States. The 30×30 Initiative is affiliated with the Policing Project at NYU School of Law and the
National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE). The ultimate goal of the 30×30 Initiative is to reach 30 percent of women in police recruit
classes by 2030, and to ensure policing agencies are truly representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves. While 30×30 is focused on advancing women in policing, these
principles apply to all demographic diversity, not just gender. “This commitment signifies the dedication of the Urbana Police Department to enhance the
presence and encounters of female officers within our organization,” stated Chief of Police Larry D. Boone. “We take pride in being among the pioneers nationwide to undertake this significant pledge, and eagerly anticipate collaborating with and gaining insights from fellow agencies sharing our focus.”

More than 300 agencies – from major metro departments including the New York City Police Department, to mid-sized, rural, university and state policing agencies – have signed the 30×30 Pledge. The Pledge is based on social science research that greater representation of women on police forces leads to better policing outcomes for communities.
Contact: Lt. Zachery Mikalik, Urbana Police Department, Services Division City of Urbana, 217-384-2320, mikalize@urbanaillinois.us

Currently, women make up only 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership in the U.S. This underrepresentation of women in policing has significant public safety implications. Research suggests that women officers:
• Use less force and less excessive force
• Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits
• Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate
• See better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases

“We are grateful to the Urbana Police Department being one of the first in the nation to commit to being a part of this growing movement” said Maureen McGough, co-founder of the 30×30 Initiative, Chief of Staff of the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law, and former policing expert at the U.S. Department of Justice. “We believe strongly that advancing women in policing is critical to improving public safety outcomes. We look forward to having more agencies follow Urbana’s lead by signing the pledge and improving the representation and experiences of women in policing