Women Are Breaking Barriers in Criminal Justice – Keiser University

Report on Gender Equality and Institutional Strength in the Criminal Justice Sector

Introduction: Aligning Criminal Justice with Sustainable Development Goals

The criminal justice sector is a critical pillar for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). A comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system is foundational to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. However, significant gender disparity within the sector undermines progress towards both SDG 16 and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). This report analyzes the role of women in criminal justice, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for advancing sustainable development through increased female participation and leadership.

The Imperative of Representation for SDG 16

Achieving SDG 16, which calls for promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, is contingent upon the composition of justice institutions. Diverse representation, specifically the inclusion of women, enhances the effectiveness and legitimacy of these institutions. Increased female presence in law enforcement and legal professions is linked to:

• Improved community trust and cooperation.
• More effective responses to gender-based violence.
• A reduction in the use of excessive force.
• Enhanced decision-making through diverse perspectives.

Despite these benefits, women constitute only 12% of sworn police officers in the United States, indicating a substantial gap in representation that hinders the full realization of SDG 16.7 (ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making). Mentorship and leadership development programs are essential mechanisms for dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an environment conducive to achieving SDG 5.5 (ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership).

High-Growth Career Paths and Their Contribution to the SDGs

The evolution of the criminal justice field presents new opportunities for women to contribute to various SDGs through specialized roles. These fields are critical for addressing modern challenges to peace and security.

Cybersecurity and Information Security Analysis

The rise of digital crime directly threatens global security and economic stability. Cybersecurity professionals are essential for protecting critical infrastructure and combating illicit activities online, contributing to SDG 16.4 (significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

• Projected Job Growth: 33% (2023–2033)
• Female Representation: Approximately 25%
• Key Roles: Cybercrime Investigator, Digital Forensics Specialist, Security Analyst
• SDG Alignment: This field supports the creation of safe and resilient digital infrastructure and strengthens institutional capacity to combat technologically-facilitated crime.

Forensic Science

Forensic science provides the objective, evidence-based foundation required for the rule of law, a cornerstone of SDG 16.3 (promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all). While female representation is strong in this sub-field, continued growth is vital for strengthening justice systems.

• Projected Job Growth: 14% (2023–2033)
• Female Representation: Approximately 73%
• Key Roles: Lab Analyst, Crime Scene Investigator, Evidence Technician
• SDG Alignment: Forensic technicians enhance the capacity of justice systems to conduct fair trials and ensure accountability, thereby strengthening institutional integrity.

Probation and Community Corrections

This field focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, which are crucial for reducing recidivism and promoting inclusive societies, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16. Women are well-represented in this area, bringing essential skills to roles that support offender rehabilitation and community-based supervision.

• Projected Job Growth: 4% (2023–2033)
• Female Representation: Approximately 56.5%
• Key Roles: Probation Officer, Correctional Treatment Specialist, Reentry Coordinator
• SDG Alignment: These roles contribute to building safer communities and reducing inequalities by providing pathways for justice-involved individuals to reintegrate into society.

Financial Examination

Financial examiners play a key role in combating white-collar crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows. Their work is integral to achieving SDG 16.5 (substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms) and ensuring economic stability.

• Projected Job Growth: Positive outlook in government and banking sectors.
• Key Roles: Compliance Analyst, Fraud Investigator, Financial Examiner
• SDG Alignment: By ensuring regulatory compliance and investigating financial misconduct, these professionals help build transparent and accountable institutions.

Police Detectives and Crime Analysts

Frontline law enforcement and investigative roles are fundamental to maintaining public safety and order (SDG 16.1: significantly reduce all forms of violence). Increasing female representation in these roles is critical for building police services that are more reflective of, and trusted by, the communities they serve.

• Projected Job Growth: Varies by region.
• Female Representation: 12% of sworn officers.
• Key Roles: Police Detective, Crime Analyst, Special Investigator
• SDG Alignment: Enhancing the presence of women in these roles is a direct strategy for making security institutions more effective, accountable, and inclusive.

Strategic Initiatives for Advancing Gender Equality (SDG 5)

National and state-level initiatives are being implemented to address the gender gap in criminal justice. These programs are practical applications of SDG 5 and SDG 16 principles.

1. The 30×30 Initiative: A national campaign to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. This initiative directly targets SDG 5.5 by setting a measurable goal for female participation.
2. State-Level Recruitment Programs: Financial incentives, such as Florida’s $5,000 sign-on bonus for new officers, aim to attract a more diverse pool of candidates, including women, thereby strengthening the workforce.

These efforts, combined with mentorship networks and scholarships, are creating structured pathways for women to enter and advance in the field, contributing to more equitable and effective justice systems.

The Role of Education in Empowering Women (SDG 4)

Access to quality education is a prerequisite for empowering women to pursue careers in criminal justice, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education). Flexible and accessible degree programs, including online options, enable women to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge while balancing other responsibilities. Educational pathways in criminal justice, criminology, and related fields serve as a critical enabler for achieving gender equality (SDG 5) and building strong institutions (SDG 16) by equipping the next generation of female leaders.

Conclusion

Increasing the representation of women in the criminal justice sector is not merely an issue of gender equity; it is a strategic imperative for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering inclusive, representative, and effective justice institutions, societies can make significant progress towards SDG 5, SDG 16, and the broader 2030 Agenda. Continued investment in targeted recruitment, supportive policies, and accessible educational pathways is essential to closing the gender gap and building a more just and sustainable future for all.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article extensively discusses educational pathways for women in criminal justice, highlighting various degree programs from associate to doctoral levels offered by Keiser University. It emphasizes how these programs equip women with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in the field, thereby promoting inclusive and equitable quality education.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This is a central theme of the article. It highlights the significant gender gap in the criminal justice field, particularly in policing where women account for only 12% of sworn officers. The article advocates for increasing female representation, discusses initiatives like the “30×30 Initiative” to achieve gender balance, and underscores the importance of women in leadership roles to dismantle barriers like the glass ceiling.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article focuses on career opportunities and high-growth paths for women in criminal justice, such as cybersecurity, forensic science, and financial examination. It provides specific data on projected job growth in these sectors, promoting full and productive employment and decent work for women.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article argues that increasing the representation of women in the criminal justice system leads to better public safety outcomes, stronger community trust, and more thoughtful decision-making. This directly relates to building more effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university. The article supports this by detailing the accessible educational pathways at Keiser University, including online degrees, which help women pursue higher education in criminal justice.
  • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. The article describes how criminal justice degree programs provide students with “the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities” and prepare them for specific high-growth jobs.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. The article directly addresses this by pointing out the low representation of women (12%) in policing and in “leadership and specialized units,” and it promotes initiatives aimed at increasing their numbers and supporting their advancement into leadership roles.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. The article promotes this by highlighting “high-growth paths” and “fast-growing job markets” for women in criminal justice, providing specific job growth projections to illustrate these opportunities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article implies this target by arguing that diverse representation, specifically including more women, leads to “stronger trust between law enforcement and the public, and more thoughtful decision-making,” which are key components of accountable and effective institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for SDG 5 (Target 5.5)

  • Proportion of women in public service positions: The article provides several clear indicators. It states that women account for “just 12% of sworn police officers nationwide.” It also gives representation figures for specific fields: “Approximately 25% of the field” in cybersecurity and “Approximately 73%” in forensic science.
  • Recruitment goals: The “30×30 Initiative” is mentioned, which has a measurable goal “to have 30% of all new police recruits be women by 2030.” This serves as a direct progress indicator.

• Indicators for SDG 8 (Target 8.5)

  • Projected job growth rates: The article provides specific quantitative data that can be used as indicators for employment opportunities. For example, it mentions a “Projected Job Growth: 33% (2023–2033)” for cybersecurity analysts and “14% (2023–2033)” for forensic science technicians.

• Indicators for SDG 4 (Target 4.4)

  • Graduate employment rates: While not providing a specific number, the article implies this indicator through anecdotal evidence. The success story of Heather Shapiro, who “found a job right out of college within my field of study,” suggests that the educational programs are effective in equipping graduates with relevant skills for employment.

• Indicators for SDG 16 (Target 16.6)

  • Public trust in institutions: The article suggests a qualitative indicator by stating that when women serve in criminal justice, it leads to “stronger trust between law enforcement and the public.” Measuring public trust through surveys could serve as an indicator of progress toward more inclusive and accountable institutions. The proportion of women in the justice system (the 12% figure) also acts as an indirect indicator of how representative and inclusive these institutions are.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: keiseruniversity.edu