The New York State Police should increase the number of women serving in their ranks by 30% by the start of the next decade, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday said. 

Hochul's call to boost the number of women serving in the State Police came at the graudation ceremony of the State Police Academy in Albany of 227 new troopers joining the more than 4,500-member State Police.  

"Police work is about public service, and law enforcement agencies are more effective when they have strong connections and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve," Hochul said. "The State Police was created over 100 years ago after the determined efforts of two women. We will build on this legacy and continue to diversify our ranks, and I encourage all who are interested to take advantage of the opportunity to have a profound and positive impact on the lives of others by joining this law enforcement community."

The effort, known as 30X30, is meant to boost representation in all ranks of law enforcement in the next eight years. It's being led by a coalition of law enforcement officials and professional organizations including the Policing Project at NYU Law School and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

"The future success of our agency will rest on our ability to attract the most talented and diverse group of candidates possible to become New York State Troopers," said State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen. "We are proud to stand alongside the dozens of other law enforcement agencies that have made a commitment to the 30x30 Initiative."  

Women make up about 12% of sworn law enforcement members; the State Police member of women troopers stands at 11.6%.