The Vermont State Police has become the first statewide police force in the country to formally promise it will take steps to advance women in policing.
The national 30x30 Initiative was launched Thursday with a goal to increase the number of female police recruits to 30 percent by 2030.
Participating agencies will assess their gender equity and implement solutions to eliminate barriers that prevent women from advancing or beginning a career in policing.
More than 35 agencies have signed the pledge but the Vermont State Police is the first statewide law enforcement agency to agree to improve the status of women in policing.