UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) will host a "Women in Policing and Public Safety" event at University Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, in Room 134 of the HUB-Robeson Center.
The event will be dedicated to exploring and discussing careers in law enforcement and public safety and will be led by a panel of female leaders within the department as part of UPPS’s commitment to the nationwide 30X30 Initiative Pledge, which aims to increase diversity in policing for the improvement of public safety, community outcomes and trust in law enforcement. Included will be a panel discussion and Q&A session, providing attendees the opportunity to hear from women in emergency management, physical security, police and others about their positions and experiences in law enforcement. It also will provide an opportunity for networking and the promotion of current job openings within the department.
“This event provides a unique opportunity for those contemplating a career in law enforcement and those within the community interested in learning more about the operations and specialized units within University Police and Public Safety,” said Executive Deputy Chief Stephanie Delaney. “Through discussion and networking, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the many opportunities available for women in law enforcement and the essential services provided by UPPS, and to gain insight into the many units that work together every day to help ensure the safety of our campus community.”
UPPS joined more than 100 other policing agencies across the country in signing the 30x30 Initiative Pledge in 2021, which aims to fill ranks with 30% women in police recruitment classes by 2030. According to the initiative, women currently make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the United States. Agencies that have signed the pledge include major metro departments such as the New York City Police Department, as well as mid-sized, rural, university and state police agencies.
Via a series of low- and no-cost actions, the 30x30 Initiative Pledge affirms that policing agencies can assess any gender equity, identify factors that may be driving any disparities, and implement strategies to eliminate barriers and advance women in policing. These actions address recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion and agency culture.
Learn more about the services provided to the Penn State community through University Police and Public Safety, and more about UPPS’s commitment to the 30X30 Initiative Pledge.