NCJ Number
95639
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 265-283
Date Published
1984
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Statements made by male and female police officers concerning how policewomen differ in their approach to family violence cases are analyzed.
Abstract
Six generalizations about the impact of policewomen on policing are discussed, including the following: women have not usually been accepted as full officers; women are more interested in helping people than in security concerns; and women have a calming effect in some situations. An analysis of comments made by battered women who had been assisted by policewomen reveals three qualities of these officers that were especially appreciated: (1) being understanding but firm; (2) showing concern, while remaining fair and impartial; and (3) providing information about legal rights, opinions, shelters, homes, etc. Results are presented from a survey designed to measure involvement and to solicit comments about how policewomen differed from policemen in their handling of family fights; responses of 62 policewomen and 89 policemen are compared. Forty percent of the policemen and 40 percent of the policewomen agreed that female officers handle family fights differently than male officers. Two samples differed markedly in how they characterized and evaluated the difference. As viewed by male officers, policewomen are ineffectual in family violence situations. Male officers characterized policewomen in such situations as uncertain, soft, weak, passive, slow, and lazy; policewomen saw themselves as feminine, nonviolent, and passive. Reasons for these different perceptions are suggested. One table and 16 references are provided.