Washingtonians know Pamela A. Smith as the chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and as a minister, but many are learning that she is very passionate about women’s participation in law enforcement.
As a part of her advocacy on behalf of female police officers, Smith spearheaded MPD’s inaugural women’s conference with the theme “Women Connecting with a Purpose: Learn. Grow. Thrive.” on March 14-15 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest.
“We recognize women often face challenges. However, we rise to the occasion and continue to make invaluable contributions to the work we do,” Smith, 56, said. “That’s why it’s important to create a supportive and inspiring environment where women from various law enforcement agencies can come together to share experiences, exchange ideas, uplift each other and foster meaningful connections.”
The conference, attended by nearly 500 female law enforcement professionals and leaders, comes as D.C., under the Bowser administration, seeks to increase the number of women police officers. The District’s effort ties into a national push for local, state, county, and federal law enforcement agencies to employ and promote more female officers. A campaign, 30X30, has been embraced by the District and a number of law enforcement agencies, to have 30% of their workforces consisting of females by 2030.
D.C.’s 30X30
MPD data reveals a 30% female population in its workforce. Women make up 61% of the professional staff; while female Cadet Corps members and sworn officers account for 51% and 24%, respectively.
Since Smith took the helm of the department in July 2023, there have been 138 officers recruited of which 29.7% composed of females. On the current force, 21% of ranked personnel are made up of women and of the 51 promotions, 31% have gone to females.
“We are very intentional in growing the numbers of female officers,” Smith said. “Not only in the officer ranks but the professional staff also.”
Smith realizes MPD has had issues with workplace culture regarding women, with 10 Black female officers suing the agency for racial and sexual harassment in 2021. Smith said the culture is “shifting” in favor of women.
“We want a work environment where women feel safe,” she said, crediting MPD Chief People Officer Angela R. Simpson for her efforts in creating a more inclusive environment. “We are initiating the appropriate training and mentoring members of the department. Also, lactation stations have been installed to accommodate officers and there is flexibility in allowing officers to spend time with their kids, especially if they are young mothers.”
Women Speak on Redefining Success, Resiliency in Law Enforcement
The conference attendees engaged in workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities. Workshop topics included leadership development, career advancement, wellness, and work-life balance.
On March 14, a panel featuring female police leaders, “Women Redefining Success and Resiliency in Law Enforcement” took place. U. Renee Hall, the former chief of the Dallas Police Department, said women continue to face unfair gender comparisons.
“To a lot of people, what looks like a police officer is a white male and you don’t look like that,” Hall, 53, said to the audience.
Hall said women, despite their academic and professional achievements, still are “treated like someone’s clerk.”
“We seem to be doing the clerical work,” she said. “Well, men can be clerks too.”
Jessie Lane, the vice president of Women in Law Enforcement, said female officers should try to pay attention to their work-life balance.
“Take care of yourself,” Lane, 63, said. “Know when to say ‘no’. I was horrible at work-life balance.”
Harris County Metro Transit Authority Chief of Police Vera Bumpers encouraged the attendees to prepare for their careers and expect opposition.
“Rocks will be thrown,” Bumpers said. “When rocks were thrown my way, I used the rocks to build a bridge.”
Offering advice to the attendees, Bumpers advised: to find an accountability partner, remember that “iron sharpens iron,” and warned not to make excuses “because an excuse is a lie with clothes on.”
