Monthly, the National Policing Institute (NPI) team produces InFocus, aseries of publications addressing various issues facing police in the United States. Each month, a feature story is published on a specific topic, sharing knowledge about the field, as well as research findings and resources that can benefit law enforcement agencies. On this occasion, they discussed in depth the role of women in the U.S. police force.
Currently, women represent approximately half of the U.S. population, but only 12% of police officers.
The data comes as no surprise, because researchers have been talking about the lack of female police officers for decades. In December 1974, this organization published a nearly 100-page manual to guide police agencies on how to recruit and train policewomen. This was almost fifty years ago, but it is clear that the profession – and the rest of society – is still struggling with the same problem.
According to these data, in 1974, there were about 1,000 female police officers in the USA.Today, there are an estimated 96,000. However, the statistics beg the question: it’s 2024, so why don’t you see more women in uniform?
Research suggests that women receive fewer complaints about their actions, use firearms less, and are less likely to use excessive force. Their communities perceive them as more honest and understanding, and there are often better outcomes for crime victims, especially in the cases of sex crime victims, when female police officers work their cases.
It is known that women can bring unique qualities and life experiences to the job. So how do you get more women to understand how suitable they are for policing?
Recruiting more women to a police agency contributes to a workforce that better reflects the diversity of the community it serves. This practice has advantages such as improving legitimacy, performance and trust.
The research also states that gender diversity causes more emphasis to be placed on care and well-being. A study of more than 50 jurisdictions showed that the difference in attentiveness, responsiveness, compassion, and helpfulness offered by female officers resulted in greater community satisfaction and increased feelings of police legitimacy. The evidence particularly highlighted these qualities and their role in marginalised communities.
Hundreds of law enforcement agencies have signed on to the 30×30 Initiative and have committed to help recruit 30% women in policy academy classes by 2030. With a coalition of police leaders, researchers and professional organizations at the forefront, 30×30 offers education, resources and technical assistance to guide agencies in retaining and advancing women police. NPI currently leads the 30×30 Technical Assistance Center and is developing tools and resources to help agencies achieve their goals, such as:
- Preparing for recruitment. The COPS Office offers recommendations on how to attract and retain women in the profession.
- Consideration for working parents. The U.S. daycare crisis is crippling the workforce. Fortunately, there are solutions, such as the San Diego Police Department’s customised daycare, which offers reduced rates and pays the centre’s employees above-average wages.
- Encouraging professional development. The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) supports female police officers through training and peer-to-peer mentoring to help women advance their careers.
- Learning from each other.
- Celebrating transformative leadership.
_____
Aquest apunt en català / Esta entrada en español / Post en français