NCJ Number
106471
Date Published
1984
Length
133 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the research literature dealing with women in policing, with attention to deployment of female officers, attitudes, selection and training, and the use of female officers in Canadian departments.
Abstract
Following a brief history of women in policing, a review of the evaluation literature concludes that women can perform general patrol duties effectively. Supervisors have rated female officers' performance as being satisfactory, and citizens response has been positive. Male officers still have very negative attitudes toward their female colleagues, and most do not feel that women should be part of the general patrol force. Other issues discussed include selection standards, training, attrition and injury rates, and problems faced by female officers because of their minority status. The report considers how senior administrators can facilitate the integration of women into their departments, the reassignment of women with many years of policing experience, women as police supervisors, and the reaction of male officers' spouses to female police. Results of survey of all Canadian departments serving cities and districts of over 100,000 regarding their experiences with women police conclude the report. Over 90 references. (Author abstract modified)