DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill signed by Governor Reynolds to remove DEI initiatives, policies, and programs is impacting law enforcement agencies in Des Moines, as the city announced it’s withdrawing from a national initiative aimed at recruiting and retaining more women in law enforcement.

To comply with House File 856, which was signed into law on May 27, Des Moines is eliminating its 30×30 program. A national initiative to improve and grow the representation of women in law enforcement. The Des Moines Police Department joined the initiative in late 2021, with the goal of growing women in police recruitment classes to 30% by 2030.

The change comes just after the police department celebrated its most diverse class of recruits yet in 2024. Increasing the number of Asian, Black, and Hispanic officers and increasing bilingual officers on the force.

Currently, the City of Des Moines said that the Des Moines Police Department has 43 sworn female officers, representing roughly 11% of sworn officers.

City Manager Scott Sanders was unavailable for an on-camera interview on Wednesday, but did provide a list of answers to questions WHO 13 had about the change.

When asked about the importance of diverse officers on the force to better serve the community, Sanders said, “There are many important factors to our police department’s success serving the Des Moines community. The top of that list is our officers and their passion for helping our residents and visitors. Whether responding to a call or building relationships in the community, it is our officers’ collective goal to protect both lives and property for every member of our community to the best of their ability.”

When asked about ensuring future law enforcement career opportunities are open to all individuals, Sanders said, “The Des Moines police remains committed to providing an attractive workplace for all potential recruits, including women, as it also strives to be a welcoming employer to all officers who are qualified and dedicated to serving the Des Moines community.”

When asked about the 30×30 initiative and the decision to withdraw, Sanders said, “The DMPD’s participation in the 30×30 initiative was a goal to increase the presence of women in the Des Moines Police Department. The discontinuation of the 30×30 program means that there will no longer be a hiring goal for the number of women hired by Des Moines Police to comply with state law.”

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