NCJ Number
207288
Journal
International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: Autumn 2004 Pages: 171-182
Date Published
2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the equal-opportunity hiring of women as police officers in eight Australian police agencies to determine whether hiring practices were related to the regulatory approaches used by the equity agency in the jurisdiction, which is responsible for enforcing equal-opportunity laws.
Abstract
Part 1 of the study assessed each jurisdiction's equity legislation and the date of its enactment, so as to identify indicators of the adequacy and impact of the legislation. Part 2 of the study surveyed equity agencies to obtain their views of their powers and resources, as well as their assessment of the extent to which police departments have cooperated with or defied agency regulatory efforts. Questionnaires were mailed out in October 2001, and all questionnaires had been completed and returned by October 2002. The analysis of survey findings concluded that there is a pervasive "culture of under-enforcement" of equal-opportunity hiring laws as applied to the hiring of women by Australian police agencies. Although the equity laws are apparently clear in mandating "affirmative action," equity agencies have assumed a largely passive regulatory approach with police agencies, leaving agencies to provide self-reports on their development and implementation of equal-opportunity hiring policies. A more probing approach to the auditing of compliance with equity law is warranted. Equity agencies must pursue obtaining resources, training, and political support necessary to work constructively with police agencies to audit current hiring practices and provide firm guidance for compliance with equity law. 3 tables and 26 references