NCJ Number
182500
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 230-239
Date Published
May 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This discussion of black policewomen focuses on the factors that contribute to recent police employment patterns of black women, major challenges confronting these officers, and future research needs.
Abstract
Police agencies initially employed both black and white females as social workers, matrons, and school crossing guards. They have more recently assumed positions as police officers, middle managers, and chief executives. Factors such as black political empowerment and the quest for representative bureaucracy have contributed to increases in the number of black female sworn officers in urban police agencies. Nevertheless, they remain underrepresented, due partly to cultural and organizational barriers. In addition, few qualitative and quantitative studies focus specifically on black policewomen. Future research should consider the effect of social, economic, political, organizational, and demographic factors on black policewomen’s representation and experiences. Specific topics should include the impact of the number of black police administrators on the employment patterns of black policewomen, the policing styles of black policewomen, and other issues. Tables and 32 references (Author abstract modified)