Sheriff's Office Commits to Increase of Women Deputies

The women who serve the Clay County Missouri Sheriff’s Office (photo courtesy of Clay Co. Sheriff’s Office).

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office made a groundbreaking commitment this week to increase the representation of women in law enforcement by becoming the first sheriff’s office in the state of Missouri to sign the 30×30 Pledge.

By signing the pledge, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has committed to a series of low- and no-cost actions to bring more women into policing. The initiative aims to improve public safety, community outcomes, and trust in law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office has set a goal to have 30% of its deputies be women by 2030.

Currently, only 20% of its deputies are female, and women make up just 19% of the sworn command staff. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is only the third law enforcement agency in Missouri to sign the 30×30 Pledge, joining the Kansas City and Springfield police departments in the commitment to the initiative.

The underrepresentation of women in policing has significant public safety implications. According to information released by the Sheriff’s Office, women officers use less force and less excessive force, are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits, and are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate. Additionally, research shows that women officers see better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases.

*Officers Nash-St. John and Cramer were the first-ever females promoted to the rank of sergeant within ESPD, in July 2022(photo S Jason Cole).*

In related news, last summer the Excelsior Springs Police Department promoted two female officers, Cassie Cramer, and Samantha Nash-St. John, to the rank of sergeant, a historic moment in the department’s 108-year history. Police Chief Gregory Dull noted the significance of the promotion during the ceremony reminding the audience that women were not even allowed to serve on the Excelsior Springs Police Force until 1982.

By signing the 30×30 Pledge, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office is taking a proactive step toward addressing the underrepresentation of women in law enforcement. Local law enforcement’s commitment to increasing the number of females and their roles within their agencies should not only improve public safety outcomes but it will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of young women to pursue careers in law enforcement.