NCJ Number
196608
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 238-256
Editor(s)
Nanci Koser Wilson
Date Published
September 2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The article discusses a study based on 217 self-report surveys of police officers, examining the relationship between gender and police officers perceptions of their job performance.
Abstract
This report on gender differences in law enforcement found that there were no statistically significant differences in how male and female police officers view themselves in terms of being equally qualified to carry out the tasks required in law enforcement, including administration and supervision. Also, it is reported that there were no gender differences found in ability to perform job, capabilities, and administration skills, even when level of education and years of experience were controlled for. Tables showing demographic characteristics of respondents, means and standard deviations for men and women, and analysis of covariance by level of education controlling for years of experience, and an appendix performance indicator list are included. It was found that some traits that make female officers different from male officers are traits that are required of contemporary police officers and merit special attention and utilization. However, present attitudes and structures are preventing real change from taking place, as women have yet to gain acceptance by their male counterparts. Overall, women have not made significant gains in law enforcement employment over the past 28 years, increasing in numbers at a very slow rate. It is recommended that policies and practices need to be instituted by law enforcement agencies to recruit, retain, and promote women to improve the overall quality of policing and better serve the Nation's communities. Notes, references