Gender Discrimination Versus Equality in the Police

• NCJ Number: 213292
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 20-28
• Author(s): C. J. Morrison
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
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Annotation

Although gender discrimination is a human rights violation under South Africa's Constitution, the right to equal treatment regardless of gender has not been fully implemented in the South African Police Service.

Abstract

Changes have occurred to improve opportunities for women in policing in South Africa during the past generation. Not only have legal reforms made it easier for women to counter discrimination, but reforms related to workplace equality have helped women in pursuing career paths. The progress has been slow in male-dominated police agencies, however, because of an ingrained, predominantly male-oriented tradition. If women are to be empowered to have a greater responsibility in community policing, it is important to develop strategies for recruiting women into policing and eradicate all remnants of gender discrimination in hiring and promotion. In becoming more representative of the communities they serve, police agencies should improve cooperation with those communities. As women are given more opportunities to show their knowledge and skills in working with communities to improve public safety, gender will become irrelevant as individuals are evaluated on performance and motivation without regard for gender. Under its Constitution, South Africa's women have the legal framework for equality and support for fighting inequality where it remains in the workplace. A 34-item bibliography