NCJ Number
75058
Date Published
1975
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A discussion of women police officers, now performing work identical to policemen, covers their unique virtues as officers and claims that they are as competent as men in all areas.
Abstract
Women, presently joining police forces in unprecedented numbers, are being assigned to work traditionally reserved for men, such as riot and vice squads, night and highway patrol, and undercover duty. Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York City number 2 to 7 percent of their police officers as female. Nevertheless, the new trend has many critics among both the public and the police who fear that police face conditions too rough for women. However, case studies show that women are as useful in dangerous and violent situations as men and are successfully foiling terrorists, handling squad cars and barroom brawls, and using firearms. The key to developing women officers lies in excellent training, and women are now receiving the same training as male recruits. The first policewoman was hired in 1910; by 1916, women were serving in departments in 25 cities and several foreign countries. However, until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the work of policewomen was severely restricted. Subsequent studies to establish the prowess of policewomen have shown that women, putting more stock in communication skills, accomplish their mission less violently than men. Moreover, although they are less provocative and aggressive, they command public respect equal to that of male officers, are more useful in family violence cases, and make fewer arrests while sustaining a higher conviction rate than men. Women are attracted to police work for a variety of reasons, and police departments now offer women pay, benefits, and promotion opportunities equal to those offered men. No references are given.