Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta Delivers Remarks at the Women in Blue: Improving Public Safety and Transforming Policing Convening

“It is truly gratifying to be here this morning, and to see so many people, both in and outside law enforcement, who care about the role of women in American policing,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “We at DOJ are honored to join this coalition... your personal stories about what it has taken for you and your colleagues to participate equally in the profession you love are inspiring, but more importantly, motivating. We can do better, and we will — thanks to all of you here.”

“Over the course of a career working closely with law enforcement, I have seen the enormous contributions that women have made to policing. In a field dominated by men, I have seen women bring steadiness and sound judgment to vital community safety decisions, and I have known them to carry out dangerous assignments on the front lines, in some cases making the ultimate sacrifice.” -Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta

“This goal – this collective goal of substantially widening the door for women in law enforcement – is ambitious, but it is achievable. More important, it’s necessary. We simply cannot expect law enforcement to live up to its full potential if its ranks don’t reflect the people it serves. And if we want women to join the profession and fully contribute, as they have shown they are more than capable of doing, then we need to build law enforcement departments where they can thrive. ” -Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta

The Attorney General Merrick B. Garland later made a surprise appearance to the summit in support of expanding the presence of women in law enforcement. He personally expressed his appreciation to the police leaders, researchers, and other people involved.