NCJ Number
161059
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 258-277
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article examines access and equity for women in policing in Australia.
Abstract
Limited statistics handicap the production of a clear picture of the impact of equal opportunity policies in Australian police services. Available figures indicate that pre-entry physical ability tests are a significant cause of attrition among women who aspire to be police officers. Women are also apparently disproportionately more likely to leave the police service due to family obligations. They also report higher incidents of sexual harassment and sex discrimination in promotion and deployment. Considering the historical marginalization of women in policing, Australian police services have made significant steps forward in reducing discrimination in a relatively short period of time; however, improvement can be made in making policing a more viable career option for women; recruiting is apparently the primary area where proactive measures are needed. There have been successes with targeted recruitment in other occupations in Australia. Increases in application rates of up to 14 percent have been reported. The New South Wales Police Service has targeted recruitment on a modest scale, as it has focused on attracting female high school students to police service. There has been no evaluation of the effects of the policy, however. What is needed in Australia is a sustained, large scale, experiment in targeted recruitment. Women must be targeted in promotion campaigns that emphasize the career benefits of policing. 4 figures and 68 references