SUPPORTING
WOMEN IN POLICING
ANZSEBP supports women in policing by fostering professional connections, encouraging knowledge sharing, and creating opportunities for collaboration across Australia and New Zealand.
Through research, professional learning, and engagement with the wider evidence-based policing community, we aim to support women's contributions, leadership, and professional growth across all areas of policing.
Why It Matters
Supporting women in policing means creating stronger opportunities for professional connection, knowledge sharing, collaboration and participation across agencies, roles and jurisdictions.
ANZSEBP contributes to this by helping connect women with professional networks, research, learning opportunities and the wider evidence-based policing community.
How ANZSEBP Supports Women in Policing
CONNECT
Build relationships with policing professionals, academics, researchers and partners across Australia and New Zealand.
COLLABORATE
Develop relationships that can lead to research partnerships, professional opportunities and shared initiatives.
LEARN & GROW
Access research, professional insight, events and learning opportunities that support development and strengthen evidence-informed practice.
A U.S.-based initiative working with law enforcement agencies to improve the representation and experiences of women in policing. Its work focuses on evidence-informed approaches to recruitment, retention, advancement and workplace culture, with a goal of women comprising 30% of police recruit classes by 2030.
A Canadian initiative focused on advancing women in policing through research, mentorship, leadership development and organisational change. 30Forward brings police services, researchers and partners together to identify barriers, share evidence and support practical improvements across the policing career journey.
Recognising Research
That Supports Women in Law Enforcement
ANZSEBP sponsors the Australian Council of Women & Policing in Law Enforcement (ACWAP) Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award, recognising research that contributes to stronger outcomes, opportunities and practice for women in law enforcement.
The award highlights individuals and initiatives whose work helps advance knowledge, improve professional practice and strengthen the experience of women across policing and law enforcement.
Recent Recipients
2025
Deborah Kelso
Queensland Police Service
Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award
Deborah’s research, conducted as part of the Queensland Police Service’s response to Recommendation 37 of the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service Responses to Domestic and Family Violence, addressed officer burnout and psychological wellbeing.
Through a comprehensive review of global studies, Queensland Police Service specific reports, and surveys of frontline officers, the study identified key organisational factors driving burnout and its impacts on individuals, the organisation, and the community. The research proposed four strategic directions:
- evaluating health and wellbeing initiatives,
- enhancing leadership training,
- developing holistic support approaches, and
- implementing change management strategies to reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking.
These evidence-based recommendations provide a clear roadmap for improving officer wellbeing and fostering a healthier, more supportive workplace culture within the Queensland Police Service.
2024
Demi Kuiters
Queensland Police Service
Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award
Demi Kuiters, Queensland Police Service received this award which is sponsored by the Australia & New Zealand Society of Evidence Based Policing. Demi has shown outstanding determination and perseverance driving a research-initiated information sharing partnership between the Queensland Police Service and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
This partnership emerged following an in-depth analysis by Demi on the relationship between animal cruelty and domestic and family violence contributing to better policing practices and a safer Queensland community.
2023
Jennifer Raymond
New South Wales Police Force
Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award
Dr Jennifer Raymond, New South Wales Police Force. Jennifer’s outstanding leadership and commitment were crucial in operationalising emerging forensic genetic genealogy capabilities that provide closure and improved outcomes for victim survivors of sexual assault, victims of homicide and families of long-term missing persons.
2022
Yvette McKelvie
New Zealand Police
Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award
Yvette is passionate and inspirational in her academic and practical leadership, influence, and work to improve policing service delivery to the community and encourage women in police to reach the heights of their potential by tackling the barriers that have disadvantaged them. She has demonstrated a passion and commitment towards understanding the barriers to success and finding solutions for the challenges facing women.
2021
Kate Linklater
New South Wales Police Force
Excellence in Research on Improving Law Enforcement for Women Award
Dr Jennifer Raymond, New South Wales Police Force. Jennifer’s outstanding leadership and commitment were crucial in operationalising emerging forensic genetic genealogy capabilities that provide closure and improved outcomes for victim survivors of sexual assault, victims of homicide and families of long-term missing persons.
Highly Commended
The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation with the Australian Federal Police
Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) Australian Federal Police - Recognised as world-class by law enforcement agencies, as one of the only centres in the world that has been established with victims and members in mind. The ACCCE supports and drives a national response encompassing law enforcement and beyond, erasing jurisdictional boundaries for the sake of children (the majority of victims being female).
STAY CONNECTED
Be Part of the ANZSEBP Community.
Connect with policing professionals, researchers, and partners across Australia and New Zealand, working together to strengthen evidence-informed practice.