NCJ Number
147595
Journal
Womenpolice Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Although women comprise approximately 55 percent of the U.S. work force, they represent only 10 percent of personnel employed by law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
This pattern of under-representation has persisted since the first female was sworn in as a police officer in 1910. Recruitment efforts aimed at attracting police officers who are more representative of the people they serve has neglected to include women. Therefore, innovative techniques for recruiting female police officers must be devised to rectify the disparity. Diversification is one way of dealing with the disparity, through recruitment campaigns aimed at selecting police officer candidates who mirror the community and through adopting the philosophy of community policing. The Cadet Corps of New York City's Police Department is described as an effective approach to diversification and the inclusion of women in the police department. In the Cadet Corps program, recruits receive training and practical experience as high school or college students prior to becoming full-time police officers. The program incorporates extensive training, community service internships, specific recruitment techniques, and police officer candidate support and counseling. In addition, the program encourages female participation.