NCJ Number
194284
Journal
Police Quarterly Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 63-95
Date Published
March 2002
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This study examined integration of openly gay and lesbian personnel into the San Diego Police Department.
Abstract
Data for this study were drawn from academic, policy, and press documents relating to homosexuals in the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) or other major urban police departments (n = 328); an intensive 3-day site visit to the San Diego area; and interviews with departmental personnel and with representatives of major governmental, citizen, and police officer interest groups. The study evaluated formal harassment, discrimination, and misconduct; the effectiveness and responsiveness of the organization; community relations; recruitment; and reputation. In the cases of all these classes of indicators, the increasing participation of gay and lesbian personnel had not had any harmful consequences. Instead, the study noted, a process of normalization had developed that had reduced much of the emotional and moral charge that was originally generated by the prospect of serving with gay colleagues. Although the integration of self-disclosed gay cops into the SDPD has proceeded largely without incident, and a strong EEO policy has reduced the frequency of blatant violations of basic rights, some personnel continue to exercise more subtle forms of discrimination, and potential difficulties with promotion remain. Despite these interpersonal difficulties, the study notes that the normalization of gay cops has been associated with higher levels of trust, cohesion, and effectiveness in working with diverse communities. Appendix, notes, references