Improving the Recruitment of Women in Policing: An Investigation of Women's Attitudes and Job Preferences

• NCJ Number: 190278
• Author(s): Deborah J. Campbell; Byron D. Christman; Melissa E. Feigelson
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 42 pages
• Sale Source: State University of New York at Albany; New York State Police
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents the findings of a study that sought to identify ways to enhance efforts to attract females to consider the New York State Police as a career choice.

Abstract

The study included a review of the relevant research literature, as well as the design and administration of four different surveys. As a result of the literature review, two theories were identified to provide direction for improving the recruitment of women. First, the theory of planned behavior suggests that people's attitudes are good predictors of their intentions. Second, the theory of person-environment fit suggests that people will perceive an organization or job as attractive if they feel that their own desires or personality will be well-suited to the environment or situation where they will be working. Organization attractiveness is an important aspect that can lead to an increase in the number of female applicants. Four different surveys were designed to assess people's attitudes and beliefs, as well as to assess the potential fit between the position of New York State Trooper and women's job preferences. The final survey assessed attitudes toward the New York State Police and the job of a Trooper, along with individuals' preferences for various job attributes. The study results indicated that the most preferred job attributes for women between the ages of 19 and 29 were financial inducements and job security; supportive work climate; job enrichment (skill and task variety); and family friendly work policies. The study also determined that misperceptions of danger may be detracting from the number of female applicants. Strategies for improving the recruitment of women were based on the fit between what women desired in a job and how those desires matched their perceptions of the job of a trooper. Specifically, a recruitment program that emphasizes the challenging nature of the job, the diverse activities and skills required (job enrichment), the organization's commitment to improving their family-related work policies, and the camaraderie among troopers may be effective in attracting more females to the job. 3 figures, 2 tables, 14 references, amended figures, and survey questionnaires