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The Alexandria Police Department joined a nationwide effort to increase the representation of women in law enforcement during a March 11 event at department headquarters.

The 30 × 30 Initiative brings together police leaders, researchers and professional organizations working to improve the experiences, representation and well-being of women at policing agencies in the United States and beyond.

APD Assistant Chief Tina Laguna said the movement seeks to identify and eliminate unintended inequities, from uniforms and ballistic vests that do not accommodate women’s bodies to whether women have a meaningful voice within their departments.

Women account for about 20% of APD’s workforce, Laguna said, compared with a national average of 13%. Some departments have no women at all.

Laguna said research has associated women officers with greater community trust, less use of force and excessive force, and fewer appearances in lawsuits. Expanding women’s role in policing, she said, is also about providing communities with the best possible service.

Artist Terance Richardson unveiled a painting honoring women in law enforcement at the event. Richardson, a former schoolmate of APD Chief Tarrick McGuire, said he attended to support the chief and honor his sister, who serves with the Dallas Police Department.

Maureen McGough, a co-founder of the 30 × 30 Initiative, said the organization works directly with law enforcement agencies and states to determine how policies and assessments can better support and integrate women.

McGough said policing was historically designed by and for men, who still hold 97% of the profession’s positions of power. That makes improving conditions for women a responsibility for male leaders as well, she said, pointing to McGuire’s participation as an example.

According to McGough, agencies involved in the initiative have recorded a 28% increase in women’s representation, giving the organization confidence that its approach is promising.

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins also met with women officers and thanked them for their service. She said their commitment makes Alexandria stronger and safer, even when their contributions do not receive regular recognition.