What should modern policing look like? What policies and practices are needed to change the profession to better support law enforcement officers, repair damaged community-police relationships, protect public safety, and help neighborhoods thrive?

Stakeholders vary on how to tackle these issues. Yet, there are certain ideals that most people agree on: First, law enforcement agencies need to hire and support the “right” people for the job—people who can enforce the law and protect public safety while treating others with dignity, respect, and fairness. Second, officers should know the people in their communities and be invested in their well-being. Third, community partnerships are essential for effective community policing.

Recruiting more women into policing is a critical step in achieving these three ideals.