Media Release: Sheriff Miyamoto Honored for Work in Advancing Women in Law Enforcement
SF Sheriff Paul Miyamoto Honored Internationally for Contributions to Advancement of Women in Law Enforcement
SF Sheriff Recognized for Achievement in Recruiting, Retaining, Promoting Women
San Francisco, CA - Sheriff Paul Miyamoto has become the first male law enforcement officer from the United States to receive an award from the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) for his strides in hiring and promoting women. IAWP bestowed the 2024 Male Award in Support of the United Nation’s “He for She” Campaign on Sheriff Miyamoto at its annual awards conference in Chicago in late August.
“The IAWP and women across the world do not need protectors, we need allies: people willing to change their approach to enable equality, and Sheriff Miyamoto delivers this in abundance,” said IAWP President Deborah Friedl. “By pledging to increase the representation of women in all ranks of law enforcement through a coalition of police leaders, Miyamoto has taken concrete steps to address the barriers that may exist for women police.”
Currently, women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the U.S., but under Sheriff Miyamoto, sworn staff at the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office consists of 14% females, with 50% of Miyamoto’s command staff being women.
“Seeing how other women in the department had been treated differently than men throughout their careers in law enforcement, has greatly influenced my perception of women in this field and how I approach decision-making now as Sheriff,” said Sheriff Miyamoto. “I don’t promote people based on gender, I promote people based on merit, ability, and experience in order to accomplish what needs to get done.”
Notably, the sheriff has placed women in top leadership roles, including the undersheriff and assistant sheriff positions, which are the number two and three in command. Sheriff Miyamoto also has a woman Deputy Chief who leads a division. In addition, he has recently promoted three captains, two lieutenants, and two sergeants, all females. One of the newly selected captains in his department, Captain Linda Bui, is the first Asian American female to be promoted to this rank.
“Sheriff Miyamoto is a leader who recognizes that women are a necessity in law enforcement,” said Captain Linda Bui. “He advocates for equal opportunities for all of his staff because he understands that gender does not play a role in intelligence, professionalism, work ethic, commitment or integrity. Women can be great and effective leaders.”
“Sheriff Miyamoto understands the immeasurable potential, dedication, and wisdom of women’s full participation in policing, and continues to champion and promote women in the department, with no signs of stopping,” said Assistant Sheriff Tanzanika Carter. “In 2022, he joined the national 30x30 Initiative, signing a pledge to increase the number of women to 30% by 2030. His commitment to equity is visible and admirable.”
The 30x30 pledge consists of a series of low and no-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. For the past two years, under Sheriff Miyamoto’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has hosted an annual women’s leadership conference in San Francisco, with hundreds of participants each year. The sheriff also supports and encourages his staff, both men and women, to attend women-focused leadership trainings.
The International Association of Women Police (IAWP) is a global organization for women police officers and women in other criminal justice roles. It offers annual recognition for female and male officers in various categories. Awards are highly competitive for this international recognition. Award recipients are honored during the IAWP Annual Training Conference and prominently featured on social media and in WomenPolice magazine.