“Men are from mars, women are from Venus”. Most people are aware of this quote. It refers to the different characteristics of men and women. Unfortunately, the characteristics that differentiate women from men have historically been disvalued and seen as inferior especially in a field such as the police force. However, this paper will argue in favour of “feminine traits” such as emotional labor skills, use of less physical force and empathy. In doing so, it will make it evident that the factors which differentiate female officers from their male colleagues allow them to not only outperform their male counterparts but also enhance the view and level of trust that people have of the police force.
One major difference between male and female
…show more content…
Having more emotional labor skills allow female officers to be more effective at policing because these skills can greatly affect the outcome of the citizen and officer encounter. Research has concluded that officers who were mostly female had better emotional labor skills and in return did not encounter rude citizens (Martin 1999:25). Moreover, officers that portrayed empathy and compassion were also significantly less likely to be subjected to formal complaints by citizens (Schuck 2014:161). Many are often under the false impression that in order for the police to be able to perform their duties well and be safe, they need to adhere to traditional masculine roles and therefore need to come across as being dominant and stern. However, research further makes it clear that these roles are not only ineffective, but also dangerous. That is because officers utilizing strategies which were based on the traditional hyper masculine values of the police force led to a higher probability of “negative police-citizen encounters” (Schuck 2014:165) and were “less likely to be productive in maintaining the legitimacy of the organization” (Schuck 2014:165). These findings convey that the police culture needs to be redefined from one that was based on masculinity to one that is more open minded and empathic because “successful policing for both the individual officer and the police organization requires a significant amount of emotional
Female police officers have been saddled with a stigma ever since they were allowed to join the force with male officers. Female police officers performance and ability to do their job and perform well is often questioned because they are women. Female officers are not given the same respect as male officers because of their gender; however, they bring different skills and assets to the profession that male officers do not. Female officers are less likely to use force or become aggressive because they have better communication skills and empathize. However, female officers will resort to using aggressive behaviors or force when necessary. Superior officers and male patrol officers feel that women are only on the force because it is a matter of social integration and an HR requirement. They feel that this is a man’s profession, and women have no business trying to be a part of it.
There are many stereotypes that women in the law enforcement field have to face. In order to recruit more women into policing, law enforcement agencies should attempt to overcome the idea that policing is a "male-oriented profession". This paper will cover parts of the history of women police officers, some views and stereotypes of the female officer, job related issues, life outside of the workforce and job satisfaction.
In recent years, recruitment and retention of police officers has been a pain point for many departments across the nation. Odd and inflexible hours, uncompetitive pay, para-militaristic organizational structures, and a negative public perception have all worked to diminish the pool of applicants interested in careers in law enforcement. Add to the mix the sexist “brotherhood” police culture, emphasis on masculinity and aggression, and the nearly non-existent opportunities for advancement for women, and over half of the eligible workforce has been discouraged from even considering a career in law enforcement. In 2013, women comprised just over 57% of the labor force, but accounted for only 13% of sworn police officers (USDOL, 2013; Crooke, 2013). Not only are women sorely underrepresented in the field of law enforcement, but those who are employed experience discrimination at the hands of their supervisors and coworkers, and as a result, the attrition rate for women is often much higher than that of their male counterparts. Departments should pledge dedication to recruiting and retaining more female officers, as research indicates that not only do females perform just as well as males in patrol positions, but they also have a unique set of advantages to offer agencies when employed in law enforcement. In order to improve the recruitment and retention of females into policing roles, departments must determine the biggest deterrents for women who are considering the pursuit
The way in which a police officer reacts to a situation relies on the characteristics of the suspect and location, and the personal beliefs of the police officer. The characteristics of a suspect include the individual’s race, ethnicity, gender, economic status, and behavior. These aspects play a single role in a law enforcement officer’s behavior under a nerve-wracking situation. People will argue that an officer judging by a suspect’s characteristics is sexist, racist, etc., but, truth is, everyone judges by
Among police, there are stark differences between male and female officers. Cara E. Rabe-Hemp researched these sex differences by conducting a series of interviews with policewomen. These interviews reveal how policewomen cope with the seemingly impossible task to find a balance between feminine values that they were raised to uphold and masculine values that their male-dominated field demands. According to the individual perspective, employees’ performance is more shaped by their unique personal experiences as opposed to standardized formal training (Britt 185). Since neither police officers’ formal training nor their subculture reduce or eliminate the differences between policemen and policewomen, sex differences have a much more significant
Not more than two years ago, I listened to three minority female officers conversing on the difficulties of being a female officer. Though women have been accepted into police force, it has been a very slow and difficult process. What follows is a brief chronology of their struggle to become assimilated into and become an important part NYC’s “finest” – the N.Y.P.D.
Police “working personality” is limited by an unquestionable tacit within the police subculture, surrounded by shifting perceptions, depending on the situation.
This research paper consists of brief history of how female correctional officers came to be in the system and the court cases that hindered and helped their process. It also consists of the stereotypes and struggles the officers are faced with in this line of work; such as weaknesses and home life association. Sexual harassment and discrimination is a problematic topic that is unavoidable. Statistics will also be mentioned and explained throughout the paper. Being a female correctional officer is extremely difficult and is not encouraged, but it is possible.
Perceptions of what constitutes a qualified police officer have been crafted as a result of numerous television shows and movies. They are often portrayed as heroic, invincible, and possessors of brute strength. While some of these physical attributes are in fact expected and required of police officers, they are not the only ones and at times,
There is also discrimination in the police force. According to Women and the Criminal Justice System, women are discriminated against when seeking a job in the police force (Wormer and Bartollas, 2007). Society and men who are already on the police force believes that women are too weak to carry out law and unable to capture criminals. This is an example of men being the dominant group over women. In society, women are known to be soft-hearted, loving, emotional and supportive. These characteristics make women look weak as a police officer. However, studies have shown that women are just as effective police
“However, women offer an underlying physical advantage making them just as competent as their male competitors. Women tend to use a style of policing that relies more on communication rather than physical force. Women have been accredited for a more community-oriented style of policing and thus more effective at handling domestic disturbances or violent incidents. Women are better at diffusing a situation; they tend to listen more before they react, women have also been recognized for using less excessive force than men. Although men may look bigger and stronger women have a different strength and just as productive way of protecting people. Women tend to use more speed and technique instead of the physical route that men typically turn too (Challenges).”
In the criminal justice system, correctional officer dealt with day-to-day basis with criminals. When an inmate is sentenced to prison, the correctional officer is the enforcer of punishment in the criminal justice system. For example, they have the right to file paperwork, if the inmates continued to caused havoc or refused to obey laws inside the prison. The fear and risk of victimization within the correctional department is important because it creates a different attitude among workers in a hostile environment. Different genders play a huge factor on determining the attitudes relative to their level of fear among inmates and officers. Researchers determined that females’ officers are more likely than male officers to demonstrate a higher
When it comes to race within law enforcement, male police officers still question whether women can handle the dangerous situations and physical confrontations that officers may be confronted with, while it is shown that most police women have easily met the expectations of their superiors. Indeed, studies have found that, in general, male and female officers perform in similar ways. In addition, research has found that most citizens have positive things to say about the work of police women (Worden,
At the same time, for a male officer being defended by a woman officer is regarded as an affront disrespect to his manhood. Two other less frequently articulated concerns also support men's resistance to women: the belief that women are "mentally weaker", and, therefore, unreliable in the face of danger, and the view that women are unable to command public respect as officers. (Martin 1990)
Americans think that they have come a long way since a gap of equality between men and women existed. Because of this progress, many people make the assumption that there is no inequality left in the United States and women have the same opportunities as men. Yes, it is true that the American society has come from one of inequality to that one that is more equal. Yes Americans have come a long way, but unfortunately women are still not equal to their male counterparts. This inequality towards women is evident within several different aspects in life, ranging from politics, gender roles, marriage, society as a whole and, especially, women in the Police Force. The history of women in the criminal justice system as police officers has been