By Joanna Putman
Police1
SEATTLE — Newly-appointed Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Sue Rahr has promised to recruit women as a part of the 30x30 initiative, which aims to increase female officer staffing levels nationwide, KING 5 reported.
Rahr has been a key participant in the nationwide 30x30 Initiative, which aims to increase female officer staffing levels to 30% by 2030, according to the report. SPD joined this initiative in 2021.
“I’m going to try and live up to that title of national expert on recruiting here,” Rahr stated at a May 29 news conference. “I hope that we are able to work together as a team to make Seattle Police Department the most attractive department for women to come to work.”
The 30x30 Initiative aims to increase the representation of women in police ranks to 30% by 2030. This video dives deep into why this is crucial for better policing and how departments nationwide are making strides toward this goal.
The city council’s public safety committee emphasized the hiring of women during its meeting on May 28. A representative from the 30x30 Initiative, along with SPD colleagues noted that approximately 15% of SPD’s sworn officers identify as women. The panel outlined the department’s focus on flexible scheduling, childcare, mentorship and increased recruitment efforts targeting women, according to the report.
“Seattle Police Department, if I can do it, is going to be the top recruiter for female recruits,” Rahr stated.
Rahr took office as interim chief on Thursday, May 30 following the dismissal of Adrian Diaz.