ORLANDO, Fla. — American law enforcement agencies are struggling to hire workers, especially women.
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Throughout the U.S., women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership.
The Orlando Police Department is trying to change that through a new program.
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The “30x30 Initiative” includes two phases -- collecting data and using that information to hire, promote and retain female officers.
The goal is to make police recruit classes 30% female by 2030.
OPD said that currently, women represent more than 15% of all sworn personnel and 19% are in leadership roles.
The department is encouraging even more women to break stereotypes, believing that they can make a difference when they put on a badge.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and New Smyrna Beach Police Department are also part of the program.
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Orlando Police Department will host a recruitment event for women on Sept. 26th. To learn more about it, click here.
Channel 9′s Sam Martello learned how the 30x30 program is already making a difference in Central Florida.
Watch her report below.
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