NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Police Department is thrilled to announce its participation in the 30X30 Initiative, a campaign to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30 percent by 2030.  Although, NOPD is well ahead of the curve with 23 percent women already within its ranks; as a participant in the initiative, the department pledges to implement a series of no- to low-cost actions to improve the representation and experiences of women in sworn positions.  Some include the following:

• Ensure that policies and procedures are free of all bias,
• Promote equitable hiring, retention and promotion of women officers, and
• Ensure NOPD’s culture is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of women in all ranks and roles of law enforcement.

The NOPD is one of the first law enforcement agencies to participate in the 30X30 initiative, which underscores our commitment to women leadership from recruit to senior rank.  Examples include Officer Brionna Antoine (pictured above), who recently graduated from NOPD Education and Training Academy’s Class 190 as “recruit in charge”; and 19-year veteran Sgt. Nicole Powell (pictured below) who serves in the Field Operations Bureau and is an International Association of Chiefs of Police “40 Under 40” award recipient. Both officers credit the department’s support with their success.

Click here to learn more about Sgt. Powell’s journey.

Click here to learn more about Ofc. Antoine’s journey. 

“By committing to the pledge, NOPD will build upon progress already made here in the Crescent City. It is especially important to have women well-represented in our leadership ranks.  Not only will different perspectives be brought to solving many of the problems facing modern law enforcement … their presence will reflect the community … which in turn will increase the community’s confidence in their police department, said NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson”.  Click here to listen to Chief’s Ferguson video testimonial.

Click here to learn more about the 30X30 initiative and the other participating agencies.