The City of Delta’s police department is the first to make such a pledge in Canada.
The department recently signed the 30 x 30 Pledge, a series of low-cost actions police departments can take to improve the representation of women in law enforcement.
Recruitment classes would be at least 30 per cent women by 2030.
The 30 × 30 Initiative started in the U.S. as a coalition of police leaders, researchers and professional organizations who joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in policing agencies.
“I’m really proud to be part of an organization that is working towards this goal, and to be the first Canadian police agency to pledge that 30 per cent of its officers will be women by 2030,” said Deputy Chief Michelle Davey, head of administration at Delta Police.
“To meet this goal we will build the foundation for 2030, by examining what our Delta citizens are looking for in their police officers by way of qualities and characteristics police officers need today, but also in the future, as demands for our service changes.”
Davey notes policing in Canada has been gradually changing over the past decades from a traditional warrior concept of policing to more of a guardian role, emphasizing social service and valuing community partnerships.
She added that, currently, 21 per cent of Delta’s police officers are women.
The DPD has already made good headway on its new pledge, as three of the four new recruits starting training this May are women.
In addition, over the past six years, 28 per cent of new recruits hired to be Delta police officers were women, Davey said.
Police Chief Neil Dubord outlined the department’s plan to the Delta Police Board last week, noting the initiative will focus on recruitment strategies.
His report to the board also notes that while 30 x 30 is focused on advancing women in policing, the principles are applicable to all demographic diversity, not just gender.
