Gender Roles Of Women Police Officers

The Studies

In 1974, the first study done involving women police officers had been conducted in Washington D.C. by Peter Bloch. The study was an evaluation of 86 men and women officers. These men and women were matched for similar civil service test scores, equal educational level, and the same training classes. The officers were scored on the amount of arrest they made, citations, injuries, performance ratings by superiors, and observations done by someone who rode with the officer. Interviews with citizens who were serviced by the police were asked about their attitudes in general of men and women of the force. From the results of this study it was found that men and women received similar results concerning patrol work. However, women made fewer arrests and fewer traffic citations. Women were also found to be less aggressive in their policing. Plus, policewomen seemed more effective in calming potentially violent situations. Yet before, and even after this study, male officers had negative views of policewomen. For example, they felt that women were less competent and would rather not work with them.

Another study done during 1975-1976 was done over a seven-month period in New York City. From the sources I had it was unclear as to weather there were 14 or 42 participants involved. What is clear is that these policemen and women were also matched as in the other study. They were also compared for experience, time on the job, time on patrol experience, and the type of precinct. This study used a pair of observers. One was a police officer the other was a civilian, one being male and the other female whom all had observation forms. There were also interviews with citizens who were helped by the police. In addition, departmental ...

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...As for women in the police force, though it has been hard for over the past hundred years perhaps the future will be brighter. In current times when the force is being questioned daily by society following incidents such as the Abner Louima case where “macho” Justin Volpe violently violated his prisoner, or the Amadoo Diallo incident where male officers recklessly fired their weapons at an innocent man, perhaps women in the force will play a greater role. Let us hope that the qualities of a women will enable them to help restore the pride and trust of the public in the police department. Perhaps the police department will recognize that the “weaknesses” associated with women (sensitivity, compassion, passivity vs. aggressive behavior) will serve society better in the future to revive the trust and confidence of society in the police department. Only time will tell.