Women Policing in America
When the discussion of law enforcement comes across many would have an image of a group of masculine men in collared uniform. For decades this image has imprinted on our society of law enforcement’s identity, which has caused a hardship for women in this field. Although women are able to have a career in law enforcement today, they are still discriminated against due to their gender. Throughout time women were viewed as powerless and emotionally unstable for this field but as time progressed it has been found they have the same intelligence, communication and compassion as male officers.
Over the years women have made progress fighting their career battles with society. Most believe women cannot be as successful as men when it comes to law enforcement. Female employees are known to have a less authoritative, low paying jobs such as waitressing, retail sales or a receptionist. However most women fall into the average ‘feminine’ job since the beginning of time, there are a handful who are interested in a career where they face the line of duty such as law enforcement. During the 1840’s many female activist fought for women’s rights addressing to society that women have a nurturing, feminine approach that can better society’s ills that males may not have. In 1845 the American Female Moral Reform Society was one of the campaigns who created ‘matron’ positions. Throughout the United States women were hired as a ‘matron’ with the duty to monitor, protect and administer to incarcerated women and juveniles. They were viewed as mothers with badges. Although matrons were working with law enforcement they were not able to perform ‘patrol’ duties, until Marie Owen’s case. Marie Owens worked for Chicago Police Department in 1891 who assisted with cases involving women and children, due to her work ethics she was the first women to receive arresting powers. The Chief of Police, Robert McCaughey took notice of Owen’s efforts in tracking down wife deserters, she was relentless in catching these men and turning them into police authorities. Therefore, Chief McCaughey decided to make Owen’s the first female employ in the detective bureau, as a Sergeant No. 97 with a rank, badge and salary pay. Marie Owen’s had a major influence on women entering the law enforcement field but there were still many who did not support female authorities, especially when the situation involves the question of physical strength and dangerous situations. In 1908 Lola Baldwin was given police powers and put in charge of a group of social workers for the Oregon Police Department. Equivalent to Marie Owen’s, Baldwin’s integrity lead her to be the first female ‘sworn police officer’ in the United States. Rather than women giving into society’s perspective they continued to face the challenges throughout the years, proving they have the mental and physical ability male officers carry. In the 1960s, about 2,400 women were serving municipal police departments in the United States. Within time an increase of women pursued a career in the blue-collared fields. In 1972, Congress passed an amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting state and local agencies from job discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity and religion.
Usually, when a woman discusses how she would like to pursue a career in law enforcement it is not taken into serious consideration. Many do not understand that physical strength plays a part in this career but most important is the mental and psychological capabilities. It was not until the early twentieth century reformers began training and educating police officers. The same test are given to both genders, during the selection process women like men must pass a background check, meet physical requirements and pass a series of tests. However there can be slight changes with the test in difference agencies but most are similar within each county department. As for educational requirements, most departments require a high school diploma, at least two years of college but preferable hire individuals who carry a bachelor’s degree. Therefore either gender will not be accepted if they do not fulfill the educational prerequisite needed. Whether or not an individual will be successful as a police officer depends on the capabilities of that individual. As previously mentioned, having a strong mental ability will help anyone in this career, in other words communication skills. Verbal skills and tactics that officers have can be utilized in place of physical strength by either gender to control a difficult situation. Once an increase of women joined law enforcement, departments began to notice the positive aspects of having female officers. Many females use their interpersonal skills rather than physical force, which can benefit their department. With the intention of less complaints or possible lawsuits from citizens. Research has found the average male officer is over eight and a half times more likely than a female officer to have an allegation of excessive force. The cost of a complaint of excessive force is two times more than a female officer versus a male with liability lawsuit payouts. This represents one of the many reasons why women fit into this field, force does not always have to be engaged, and simple communication skills can avoid further wrong doing. Police departments should take a step further with oral examinations, asking both male and female employs to demonstrate their communication skills on how to de-escalate a problem.
Beside the fact that female officers benefit their department more importantly other female persons. One of the most frequent calls received by citizens is domestic violence cases, which are the most difficult to deal with and considered very dangerous in law enforcement personnel. Numerous studies have found that female officers are often better at defusing violent situations, responding more effectively to domestic violence incidents than male officers. Female peace officers demonstrate more patience, concern and sensitivity than the opposing gender. Along with the victims who suffer from abuse, more compassion is shown from a female officers which can put the victim at ease. Rape cases are another area where female officers are recognized for having great communication. In the 1960’s reported rapes almost doubled in number, therefore hiring more female officers was one of the ways police departments responded to the public’s concern. It is believed that there is some sort of natural empathy between the female officers and rape victims. This can help the officer with the rape case, if the victim is comfortable the officer will have a higher chance of cooperation, leading to evidence and direction that can be revealed. Another strong impact female officers have are dealing with cases that involve children, whether it is child abuse, endangerment, abandonment, molestation etc. Similar to female victims, young victims and children will likely feel a nurturing bond with a female officer due to the fact that many women carry a natural motherly instinct within them.
Unfortunately, there are downsides to female officers who are involved in this occupation. Personal issues can have a huge effect for women who work in law enforcement but this can effect either genders. Some studies have found female officers are more likely to quit their job or sacrifice losing some touch with their personal life such as their children’s school activities, sports games or family events. Although many women in law enforcement indicate that their families support their choice of career, those who are married or living with a significant other develop several family problems. Many people do not realize policing is not a nine-to-five day job. Those on patrol may be required to work double shifts or swapping shifts, in the case of the female officer if there are children are involved, child care can become a major issue. Another problem that can hugely affect a female officer is being employed outside and inside of her home. Whereas she has to complete her first shift patrolling the streets and coming home to her second shift taking care of her household which can take a toll. Women tend to do the larger share of parenting in the home, especially if the children are at a young age. Male spouses are involved and holds responsibility for their child’s care, but women are known to have more control of the nurturing care with their child. For decades a major ongoing issue is the sexual harassment, discrimination and lack of mentors women face in police agencies. From the 1840’s to today female officers report feeling they have to work twice as hard to prove themselves to be accepted, unlike males who immediately enter the workforce with acceptance. Studies have found seventeen out of twenty seven female officers have felt discriminated by their fellow male officers; which causes isolation and hostility within the department.
Women police officers across the United States continue facing discrimination due to various reasons. In reality, not all women are able to handle all police jobs but neither are all men. Gender does not matter when it comes to careers specifically law enforcement, although society has put an image that only men are right for the job it has proven to be false. The question should no longer be if women are good candidates for law enforcement, but will their representation be sufficient. For decades women have put a stand out for themselves, over time they have proven to communities how they can work and become as successful as the opposite sex. Therefore discrimination against female policing should be put to a stop, looking beyond physical appearance and having a positive outlook that someone is willing to risk their lives on a daily basis to serve our community. Today, females make up nineteen percent of a police department, hopefully this continues to increase within time. In all respects, some women may be better suited for police work than men. Everyone deserves a chance.