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BRISTOL, R.I. – As part of Roger Williams University’s commitment to supporting women pursuing careers in law enforcement and justice-related fields, the �������� School of Justice Studies held the 2025 Rhode Island Women in Law Enforcement Symposium on March 28, highlighting the achievements of women professionals in law enforcement and connecting students to leaders working in the field. 

The symposium was offered through the School of Justice Studies’ Justice System Training & Research Institute, featuring discussions on organizational culture and retention, employee development, policy, and mental health wellness strategies.

“As a woman in leadership myself, I take it especially to heart,” said �������� Provost Margaret Everett, who welcomed attendees to the event. “Our law enforcement agencies and justice system should reflect the communities we serve. I applaud the work of the Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies and its Justice System Training & Research Institute for its dedication to advancing a more inclusive criminal justice system.”

The symposium also created a platform to share insights and experiences in which School of Justice Studies students learned and networked with officers and civilian professionals from across the U.S., ranging from conservation law enforcement like the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, to statewide agencies like the Maine State Police. 

“I think, as a female in a male-dominated field, it's very enlightening and empowering to see all these female officers come from all over and educate themselves on being better police officers,” said Caroline Roach, a senior Criminal Justice major from Acton, Mass. “An event like this can definitely give you more of an idea of what path you want to take in your field and where you want to go in your career as a woman.”

The symposium also provided opportunities for students to build connections with peers, mentors, and role models, while gaining exposure to the latest trends and strategies in law enforcement.

For Briana Fraser, a sophomore Criminal Justice major from Winchester, Mass., the event was a valuable opportunity to learn about different career paths within the law enforcement field. 

“This is huge because many law enforcement events are not just directed and narrowed down to women,” she said. “I think this is very important, especially for women in this field and especially in a male-dominated field like this.”

“These events allow our students to network and increase awareness of their respective disciplines, leading to practicums and other experiential education opportunities,” said David Lambert, Interim Dean of ��������’s School of Justice Studies. “They also create opportunities for justice agencies to recruit our students and collaborate with our faculty on research and other community-based projects.”