S8 E3 | Breaking Barriers: Women Strengthening Modern Policing

Women in law enforcement bring measurable, evidence based advantages to modern policing the data shows female officers experience fewer use of force incidents and more successful de-escalation outcomes. In this episode of the "On the Job" podcast, President Brian Marvel and Vice President Ben Therriault lean into the "R" in PORAC—Research. We discuss how women officers strengthen public safety and the barriers they face in the profession with Dr. Tanya Meisenholder of the 30x30 Initiative and PORAC Board Member Veronica Limon.

Our guests provide insight into how traditional requirements for peace officers can be thoughtfully adjusted while maintaining rigorous standards and opening up the recruiting pool to qualified women who have been historically under represented. For law enforcement leaders, policymakers, and public safety advocates, these insights offer a roadmap to increasing female representation in ways that strengthen departments and better serve communities. The research-backed strategies discussed demonstrate that recruiting more women officers isn't just about addressing historical challenges—it's about enhancing public safety through proven approaches to improve modern policing.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QAzhaax3u4r8MFgT0TxzFXEe-Inq7FMeTix3LR_f0-o/edit?usp=sharing

Connect and Learn More

Dr. Tanya Meisenholder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-meisenholder/

Brian Marvel Twitter: https://x.com/BrianMarvel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmarvel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brian.R.Marvel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmarvel/

Ben Therriault

Twitter: https://x.com/BenTherriault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btherriault/

Resources

● 30x30 Initiative Website: https://30x30initiative.org/

● 30x30 Initiative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/30x30-initiative/

● PORAC Women in Law Enforcement Issue Brief: https://porac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-PORAC-Women-In-Law-Enforcement-Brief.pdf

#porac #poracalifornia #peaceofficers #lawenforcement #publicsafety