NCJ Number
123544
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 56-59
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The most important condition for keeping women in the police force is a gradual change of the police culture.
Abstract
The typical male police culture is the biggest stumbling block for police women. This culture is the product of many decades and cannot be changed by a directive. Governments feel strongly that women ought to have the same opportunity in the labor market as men and that they contribute their specific skills and make use of their own special talents on the job. Research shows that policewomen do not incite as much violence as men, and there are not as many complaints against them as a result. In keeping policewomen on the force, special attention should be given to career planning, ample parental leave, stimulating part-time jobs, and day nursery facilities. Barriers that policewomen encounter on the job can range from difficulty in handling a firearm designed for bigger hands to nonacceptance by their male colleagues. Recommendations by the conference include training programs for policewomen and policemen to enhance cooperation, a policewoman policy development of providing information, and more policewomen in higher ranks.