The Vital Role of Women in Law Enforcement: Leadership and Inspiration

Published

The International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok emphasizes the importance of training and gender diversity in law enforcement.  ILEA Bangkok recognizes Kimberly K. Jones, ILEA Deputy Director and Supervisory Special Agent with the Diplomatic Security Service, for her invaluable leadership, support, and significant contributions to promoting and mentoring women in law enforcement. 

On July 24, 2024, Deputy Director Jones was hand-selected by the Federal Women's Program from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to lead a Woman in Law Enforcement Panel discussion on the importance of female law enforcement representation.  She engaged with the audience, answered questions, and highlighted her career experiences.  Deputy Director Jones emphasized the value of women in policing and the importance of the United States 30/30 campaign, geared toward recruiting more female law enforcement professionals worldwide by the year 2030.  Also, she highlighted her successful career in law enforcement, propelling her to the Senior Executive Service rank.

Likewise, on August 30, 2024, Deputy Director Jones was selected by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as the keynote speaker for their Tactical, Leadership, and Development Course, sponsored by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Bangkok.  This platform provided 18 female law enforcement officers across Thailand with intensive tactical leadership training to enhance their skill sets as new leaders.  She stressed the importance of women's inclusion in law enforcement to ensure diverse perspectives were obtained to maintain community safety, prevent crime, and promote justice.  Also, she underscored the importance and value of having a powerful law enforcement female presence, particularly when tackling complex global challenges of combating transnational crime. 

Deputy Director Jones's career exemplifies how women can break barriers and succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.  Her leadership on the U.S. Embassy's Women in Law Enforcement Panel and her closing speech at the DEA Tactical Leadership Development Course accentuated the talents of this exceptional law enforcement officer.  Her dedication and commitment to gender equality, the United States Government (USG), ILEA, and USG counterparts are commendable.  Through her numerous examples, varied experiences, and innovative solutions, Deputy Director Jones has raised the bar high, empowering more women to seek leadership roles and paving the way for them to pursue more careers in law enforcement.