NCJ Number
77478
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: (April/June 1981) Pages: 157-167
Date Published
1981
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The findings of a survey of policewomen in Great Britain, conducted two years after implementation of the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975, do not support an argument for general exclusion of the police service from the Act.
Abstract
A total of 680 answers were received to questionnaires distributed to all policewomen in five police forces by the Home Office Research Unit. The questions focused on the reactions of serving policewomen to the effects of integration; the commitment of policewomen, particularly recent recruits, to a career in policing; and the role which women felt they could play in policing. The findings showed that those respondents who supported a return to the narrow traditional role of the policewomen were in the minority, particularly among those now joining the service. The views of the majority argued for a role which would follow the spirit of the legislation by giving women a much wider range of duties, except in situations where violence would be likely. Results suggest the need for management attention to training in negotiating skills to reduce the likelihood of violence. Results also indicate that management should use women officers' special skills for dealing with women and young offenders and should consider work schedules and career opportunities for women. Tables and eight references are provided.