The London Police Service has officially joined the 30×30 Initiative, a bold movement that’s reshaping law enforcement across North America. And honestly? It’s about time.
The initiative isn’t just another corporate diversity program—it’s a serious commitment to ensuring that 30% of police recruit classes are women by 2030. The LPS has taken the pledge and is already celebrating the incredible female officers who are making waves in their ranks.
Leading the charge is Deputy Chief Treena MacSween, who’s literally making Canadian history. She holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Black female officer in Canada—a milestone that speaks volumes about both her achievements and how much work still needs to be done in the field.
MacSween’s journey to the top wasn’t overnight. She started her policing career back in 1998 with Peel Regional Police, moved to Hamilton Police Service in 2001, and finally landed at LPS in April 2024. With over 27 years under her belt, she’s tackled everything from operational roles to critical incident command.
But here’s what makes her story even more compelling—she’s not just breaking barriers for herself. As Co-Chair of the Canadian Chiefs of Police Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and a member of the Ontario Women Law Enforcement Advisory Council, she’s actively working to open doors for others.
The personal side? She’s a mom to two daughters, Taylor and Alexis, and married to Mike, a firefighter. Talk about a family dedicated to public service.
The 30×30 Initiative isn’t just about numbers on paper—it’s about real people doing real work. Take Laura, who’s been with LPS since November 2005 and currently serves as a Court Liaison Officer. Her day-to-day involves court security, managing warrants, responding to Crown Attorney requests, running bail court, and assisting officers who need to attend court proceedings.
“I chose this career because I wanted to make a difference – and because no two days are ever the same,” Laura shared in the LPS campaign.
Then there’s Anthea, the Acting Staff Sergeant within the Support Services Division. She’s overseeing the Headquarters Detention Unit and several other key operational areas that keep the entire police service running smoothly. From logistics to frontline support, her behind-the-scenes work ensures officers have everything they need to serve London effectively.
What’s refreshing about Anthea’s perspective is how she views every role as essential. “Every role here, no matter how operational or support-based, contributes to public safety,” she explained.
The 30×30 Initiative represents a collaborative effort among police agencies, researchers, and professional organizations committed to enhancing women’s representation and experiences at all ranks within policing across North America.
For London specifically, this means actively recruiting professional, talented, caring, and committed women who want to advance their careers in law enforcement. The LPS is positioning itself as a forward-thinking service that’s dedicated to growth, well-being, and creating what they call “a lifetime of opportunities.”
The timing couldn’t be better. As conversations around police reform and community safety continue to evolve, having more diverse voices and perspectives in law enforcement feels less like a nice-to-have and more like an absolute necessity.
The campaign is rolling out throughout the month, with LPS highlighting different female officers and their unique contributions to the service. They’re using social media to share these stories and connect with potential recruits who might be considering a career in policing.
Deputy Chief MacSween’s emphasis on “forging collaborative partnerships to develop and shape community safety strategies” seems to capture the broader vision here—policing that’s more connected to and representative of the communities it serves.
The initiative also focuses on creating inclusive work environments and prioritizing member wellness, which addresses some of the systemic issues that have historically made law enforcement a challenging field for women and other underrepresented groups.
With the 2030 target date, LPS has given themselves a concrete timeline to work with. Six years might seem like a long time, but transforming the gender composition of an entire police force is no small feat.