Law enforcement focused on recruiting more women

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – 70 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies looked to hire at the 2nd Annual Recruiting Women into Law Enforcement event. Many agencies, like the F.B.I. and New York State Police, have pledged to increase the percentage of female recruits to 30 percent by the year 2030. 

Agencies from around the Capital Region, central New York and Vermont were present at the Albany Capital Center to answer questions for interested candidates. Some were on the fence when they walked into the building, like UAlbany student Jaya Dixon.

“I’m kind of leaning toward it now. Once I came here, I was kind of influenced by, especially, all the women on the panel. It was very important seeing women, especially women of color, in law enforcement knowing that it’s a kind of male-dominated area,” said Dixon, who is a junior majoring in communications and minoring in Spanish.

One example was New York State Police Lieutenant Treneé Young, who spoke on the panel.

“I am very, very honored to be able to let them know that there is a path forward in law enforcement, if it’s what you choose,” said Young.

On Thursday she will blaze the trail as the first African American woman to become a captain for the New York State Police. 

Young will be the first African American woman to rise to the rank of captain for the New York State Police on Thursday.

“It feels great. I can’t believe that my journey is playing out this way and I’m really excited. I look forward to setting an example and being a role model for all the people who are going to come behind me,” said Young.

She certainly made an impression on Dixon, who said Young’s story inspired her.

“I was really influenced and I think now that I’ve seen and heard their stories, I’m more interested in it now. I think it’s kind of confirmed but I’m still just exploring for the most part,” said Dixon.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in law enforcement, organizers recommend you start by researching the agency you’re most interested in, then go for it.