NCJ Number
63677
Date Published
1979
Length
189 pages
Annotation
THIS VOLUME INTRODUCES LAW ENFORCEMENT AS A VIABLE CAREER CHOICE FOR WOMEN, PROVIDING ILLUSTRATIONS OF POLICE WORK AND GENERALIZATIONS ABOUT THE ROLE OF POLICE IN SOCIETY.
Abstract
SPECIFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT CASES, ACTIVITIES, AND TYPES OF JOB ASSIGNMENTS ARE DESCRIBED. EDUCATIONAL AND PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE SPECIFIED, APPLICATION AND QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES ILLUSTRATED, AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT STEPS OUTLINED. IN ADDITION, THE THEORETICAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF WOMEN IN POLICEWORK ARE CONSIDERED, AND THE NATIONAL SCOPE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ORGANIZATION IS PRESENTED. SPECIFIC JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALE OFFICERS ARE IDENTIFIED ON THE CITY AND COUNTY LEVELS AND FOR STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES. ALTHOUGH THE ATTITUDES OF BOTH CRIMINALS AND LAW ABIDING CITIZENS DO NOT CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN A POLICEWOMAN'S JOB PERFORMANCE, MALE COWORKERS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THESE WOMEN BECAUSE THE AVERAGE POLICEMAN STILL FEELS THAT WOMEN HAVE NO PLACE IN THE FIELD. OTHER NEGATIVE FACTORS INCLUDE POLICE HAZARDS, IRREGULAR HOURS, HARSH OUTDOOR CONDITIONS, RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE USE OF FORCE, AND DISILLUSIONMENT. SYMPATHY, FAIR MINDEDNESS, AND THE ABILITY TO GIVE AND TAKE ORDERS ARE ESSENTIAL PERSONALITY TRAITS. MATURE JUDGMENT, OBSERVATION AND MEMORY, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS ARE REQUIRED, AND AT LEAST 2 YEARS OF COLLEGE ARE RECOMMENDED. EXAMPLES ARE INCLUDED OF QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS USED BY POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR MEASURING THE PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES OF CANDIDATES. PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS, AND MAPS ARE PROVIDED. A TRAINING PROGRAM AGENDA, RADIO CALL CODES, AND AN INDEX ARE APPENDED. (MRK)