On March 8, 2023, the Office of Criminal Justice Services hosted the First Annual Women's Law Enforcement Symposium for law enforcement professionals to learn about resources and best practices when developing comprehensive recruitment strategies.

The symposium featured speakers from the National 30x30 Initiative, which seeks to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030, to advance representation of women in all ranks of a department, and to ensure police policies and culture intentionally support the success of qualified women throughout their careers.

Watch the Symposium

Watch a recording from the symposium.

• You will need a version of Microsoft Silverlight installed, which is a free download from Microsoft. Mac users can download Silverlight through Safari.
• On the Silverlight player interface there is a speaker icon that controls the audio on the bottom right of the player. It is easy to overlook. It is adjusted normally by simply clicking on the speaker and adjusting the level. So broadcast volume is controlled 3 ways in combination:
  1. From your computer’s sound card
  2. From the Silverlight player’s volume control
  3. From your external speakers volume knob

2023 Agenda

9:00 AM - Opening Remarks

• Director Andy Wilson, Department of Public Safety  
• Director Karhlton Moore, Bureau of Justice Assistance 

9:30 AM - 30x30 Initiative

• Maureen Quinn McGough, Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law
• Diane Goldstein, Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership

10:00 AM - A Department's Perspective on Recruiting and Retaining Women and Signing the Pledge

• Lieutenant Victoria Weyda & Officer Jennifer Chilton (on behalf of Chief Teresa Theetge), Cincinnati Police Department

10:15 AM - Recruiting and Retention Focus Group Report-Out

• Dr. Patrick Oliver, Cedarville University

10:40 AM - Break 

10:50 AM - Panel Discussion on Recruitment

• Moderator: Officer Sarah Shendy, Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment
• Chief Sheila Mason, Village of Woodmere Police Department
• Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt, The Ohio State University Police Department 
• Lt. Thomas McMillan, NOBLE President / Cuyahoga Community College Police Department  
• Sheriff Kandy Fatheree, Summit County
• Staff Lieutenant Anetra Sims, Ohio State Highway Patrol

11:50 AM - Signing 30x30 Pledge by Interested Agencies 

12:00 PM - Closing Remarks 

• Executive Director Nicole Dehner, Office of Criminal Justice Services