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WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT: A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT

NCJ Number
144073
Journal
Law Enforcement Tomorrow Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 5-9
Author(s)
D McCoy
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police executives must develop and implement policies that create an organizational culture that maximizes use of the distinctive qualities of policewomen and enables them to participate in the same police career opportunities as male officers.
Abstract
The progress made by women in policing thus far has come primarily through legal mandates rather than through executive leadership within police organizations. Current police organizational structures and policies have done little to create a working environment conducive to actualizing the maximum potential of policewomen. Police agencies must make a positive work environment for women a priority in organizational values, policies, and procedures. This involves the provision of awareness training that values the diversity of temperaments and skills among personnel. Police agencies must also manage and maintain a work environment that holds individuals accountable for actions that undermine a work environment conducive to the productivity of policewomen. Police executives must identify and correct any problems that inhibit a positive work environment for women. This should include elimination of obstacles that impede career development for policewomen and the promotion of opportunities for women to advance in the organization in accordance with their career goals. 27 references