SUNY Cortland officer gains national attention 

03/17/2023 

Lt. Danielle Salisbury of the SUNY Cortland University Police Department is getting national recognition from 30×30 Women in Policing. 

The coalition of police leaders, researchers and professional organizations describes itself as seeking to advance the representation and experiences of women in policing across the United States.  

Salisbury's interview in the From the Field section of the 30x30 website, which the group describes as “Lifting up the voices of women leaders,” discusses her motivation, dedication to policing and advice for other women in the policing profession. The profile also highlights a recent contribution by Salisbury that has had a major impact on and off of Cortland’s campus: pride badges. 

“The New York State University Police are proud to have Lt. Salisbury profiled by the 30x30 Initiative,” said Mary Sullivan Ritayik ’97, New York State University police commissioner and SUNY Cortland graduate. “She represents many female officers in this field who dedicate their career to helping others in their community.” 

A fan of art and design, Salisbury came up with the idea for the first-ever SUNY-wide embroidered uniform badges that show support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and other non-heterosexual campus community members. The idea began as part of a goal to strengthen bonds between the UPD and the campus, Cortland and wider LGBTQA+ community. 

Made available for sale, much of the money spent on the badges was donated to the Point Foundation, a college scholarship fund for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students in the U.S. 

“Her dedication to building community trust and her initiative to raise awareness for the LGBTQA+ community demonstrates her progressive leadership,” Ritayik said. “I am happy to see her moving up in the career ladder as she sets a great example to other female officers and demonstrates that career advancement in this field is attainable.” 

SUNY Cortland continues its efforts to lead by example on gender equality. Last year, its UPD joined with 30x30 to pledge to increase the percentage of women officers in its rank from 20% to 30% by 2030 and to promote them to higher levels in rank. On average, women currently make up only 12 %of sworn officers and only 3 % of the law enforcement leaders in the country. 

According to 30x30, having more women in policing isn’t just a matter of inclusion, but a boost to public safety. Research cited by the group indicates that women officers use less excessive force, are named in fewer complaints and are seen on average as more honest and compassionate.