NCJ Number
112101
Date Published
1987
Length
144 pages
Annotation
Research has found that women officers represent 7.2 percent of the nation's nearly 476,000 police officers; 9.5 percent of California's 60,000 sworn officers; but hold only 3.6 percent of supervisory and 1.6 percent of management positions in the State.
Abstract
This study analyzed the percentage of women officers in relation to projected workforce changes facing the law enforcement profession between 1987 and the year 2000. Several trends and potential events that could impact on recruitment and promotion of women officers for the next 13 years were used in developing three scenarios of California law enforcement in the year 2000. One choice postulates that in 1988 law enforcement leaders undertook an initiative to address future recruitment problems by increasing the number of women officers, supervisors, and managers statewide. Another involved interviews with 10 women law enforcement managers and 2 male chief executives, who head departments comprised of 20 percent female employees, regarding policies that could be used to accelerate recruitment and promotion of women employees. Based on these interviews, a strategic plan was developed which details 6 major policy areas and 17 strategies to be implemented statewide over a 3-year period. The third scenario consisted of a transition plan which calls for a focused effort by the State's major professional organizations to create awareness of the issue throughout the industry. Tables, graphs, charts, 19 references, and bibliography. (Author abstract modified)