The Saanich Police Department achieved a historic milestone by deploying an all-female constable team on a Sunday night.
This initiative is aligned with the department’s commitment to the 30×30 initiative, aiming for 30% female recruitment by the year 2030.
In 2022, Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie made a bold commitment to the 30×30 pledge, an initiative driven by the recognition that women were significantly underrepresented in law enforcement.
We're proud to announce we've joined the @30x30Initiative by signing the #30x30Pledge! We’re committed to #advancewomeninpolicing and support the success of women officers in all ranks. To read more about the initiative, visit https://t.co/0tJH6YSztl pic.twitter.com/kqlaGmB8ZE
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) May 18, 2022
The 30×30 campaign in the United States, based on 2021 figures, revealed that women comprised only 12% of sworn officers and a mere 3% held leadership positions.
While Saanich Police and other departments in the region were already ahead of these figures, Chief Constable Duthie emphasized that the commitment to the 30×30 initiative was a way of vocalizing the department’s dedication to equity and inclusion.
The initiative extends beyond recruitment, emphasizing the importance of retaining female officers within the force.
To actively promote women in policing, Saanich Police developed a recruiting video titled “Women in Policing.” This project, spearheaded by Saanich Inspector Stephanie Edwards, allows female officers to share their experiences, discuss their roles in various divisions, and highlight the fulfillment they find in their work.
By showcasing the diversity of roles and experiences within the Saanich Police Department, the video aims to make policing an attractive career choice for local women.
