H.R. 8832: Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services Act of 2026

The Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services Act of 2026 aims to establish a Task Force on Women in Law Enforcement to address several key issues related to the hiring, retention, and advancement of female police officers in the United States.

Task Force Establishment

A Task Force will be created to study state hiring standards for law enforcement officers, create national hiring standards, and develop strategies to enhance the retention and promotion of female officers.

Composition of the Task Force

The Task Force will consist of 12 members appointed by the Attorney General, including:

• One representative from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
• Two mayors.
• Three female police executives (one from a municipal agency, one from a state agency, and one from a sheriff's department).
• Two female law enforcement officers at the rank of lieutenant or below.
• Two representatives from community-based organizations.
• One representative from a law enforcement accreditation or standards organization.
• One representative from a national law enforcement organization that advocates for women.

Responsibilities of the Task Force

The Task Force will have several duties, including:

• Developing recommendations for national hiring standards that ensure fair treatment for all applicants regardless of sex and include criteria for physical fitness, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Creating strategies to improve the retention of female officers, addressing challenges related to physical fitness after childbirth and family responsibilities.
• Formulating recommendations to enhance opportunities for women to advance into leadership positions within law enforcement agencies.

Report to Congress

Within 18 months of the bill's enactment, the Task Force must provide a report to Congress that includes its findings and recommendations.

Incentives for States

Starting in the fiscal year following the Task Force's recommendations, states that adopt the suggested hiring standards will receive an additional 5% in funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for law enforcement purposes.

Technical Assistance

The Attorney General will be authorized to offer technical assistance to states to help them implement the Task Force's recommendations, with appropriations to support this initiative as necessary.

Relevant Companies

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