Women in Law Enforcement Careers A Guide for Preparing and Succeeding

by Lord, Vivian B.; Peak, Ken

• ISBN13: 9780131191297
• ISBN10: 0131191292
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-23
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

Vivian Lord and Ken Peak have combined their 60 years of policing and academic experience to write the definitive book for women of all ages interested in entering the often daunting, veiled world of policing. In a blunt, no-nonsense fashion, Lord and Peak comprehensively address the issues facing women eager to cross the thin blue line into this traditionally male-oriented occupation. bull; bull;How can women prepare for the selection process? bull;What are the variety of jobs available to women in the policing world? bull;How do women deal with the challenges of male prejudice? bull;How does the general public react to female officers? bull;How does policing affect their personal relationships? bull;What are the unique issues of female officers of color? Lord and Peak first pulled together a plethora of varied and scattered studies that evaluate and analyze the role of women in policing. Then, to bring a human voice and conscience to those studies, the authors interviewed more than 50 veteran street officers, investigators, supervisors, and police chiefs who are in law enforcement, to answer many of the questions women might have about working in the law enforcement community.

Table of Contents

About the Authors	xi
Introduction	xiii
Roslyn Muraskin
Foreword	xv
Margaret M. Moore
Preface	xvii
Laying the Foundation: An Overview of Law Enforcement	1	(20)
Key Chapter Terms	1	(1)
Introduction	2	(1)
Federal Law Enforcement Agencies	2	(5)
The Department of Homeland Security	2	(1)
The Department of Justice	2	(5)
Other Federal Agencies	7	(1)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)	7	(1)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	7	(1)
State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies	8	(1)
Organizational Structures	8	(1)
The Police Role	9	(4)
Four Primary Duties	9	(2)
Use of Discretion	11	(1)
Patrol Work as a Function of Shift Assignment	11	(2)
Community Policing and Problem Solving	13	(2)
A ``Sweep'' of the Nation	13	(1)
The SARA Problem-Solving Process	14	(1)
Constitutional Limitations	15	(3)
Free Speech	15	(1)
Searches and Seizures	15	(1)
Self-Incrimination	16	(1)
Religious Practices	16	(1)
Sexual Misconduct	16	(1)
Residency Requirements	17	(1)
Moonlighting	17	(1)
Misuse of Firearms	17	(1)
Occupational Stress	18	(1)
Summary	19	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	19	(1)
Notes	19	(2)
Women Enter Law Enforcement: A Historical Overview	21	(17)
Key Chapter Terms	21	(1)
Introduction	21	(1)
In the Beginning: Prior to 1920	22	(3)
A Surge of Reform: The 1920s	25	(1)
The ``Depression Stage'': 1930-1949	26	(1)
1950-1970: Slow Growth, Greater Diversity in Assignments	27	(4)
The 1970s and 1980s	31	(4)
Summary	35	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	35	(1)
Notes	35	(3)
Help from on High: Legislative Enactments and Court Decisions	38	(10)
Key Chapter Terms	38	(1)
Introduction	38	(1)
Entering the Industrial Workforce	39	(1)
Combating Job Discrimination: Legal and Legislative Developments	39	(7)
Sex and Race Discrimination	39	(3)
Sexual Harassment	42	(2)
Family Care and Well-Being	44	(1)
Comparable Worth	45	(1)
Civil Rights Act of 1991	45	(1)
Positive Discrimination	46	(1)
Summary	46	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	46	(1)
Notes	47	(1)
Women Who Serve Today: A Profile	48	(15)
Key Chapter Terms	48	(1)
Introduction	48	(1)
Female Representation in Local Police Agencies	49	(3)
Doing It All: Types of Assignments	49	(1)
Representation by Agency Size	50	(1)
Types of Agencies and Positions	51	(1)
Representation in Positions of Leadership	52	(5)
Making It to the Top: Women Police Chiefs	54	(1)
Women Officers' Ranks in Small and Large Agencies	55	(1)
Differences in Leadership Styles and Seeking Advancement	56	(1)
Personal Characteristics	57	(4)
Race	57	(1)
Education	57	(1)
Previous Work Experience	58	(1)
Family and Marital Background	58	(1)
Responsibilities at Home	59	(2)
Summary	61	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	61	(1)
Notes	61	(2)
Measuring Up: Performance and Perceptions of Female Officers	63	(18)
Key Chapter Terms	63	(1)
Introduction	63	(1)
Early Research Concerning Women Officers' Performance	64	(1)
Methods of Call Handling	64	(1)
Measuring Up with the Men	65	(1)
A More Contemporary View: Women and Community Policing	65	(1)
Attitudes Toward Female Officers	66	(6)
Male Officers' Perceptions	67	(1)
Possible Explanations	67	(3)
Citizens' Perceptions	70	(1)
Female Views on Being Accepted	70	(1)
Female Officers' Self-Perceptions	71	(1)
Coping and Adapting	72	(1)
Issues Concerning Female Officers of Color	73	(3)
Summary	76	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	76	(1)
Notes	77	(4)
Gaining Entry: The Hiring Process	81	(23)
Key Chapter Terms	81	(1)
Introduction	81	(1)
Assessing Oneself	82	(1)
Needed: A Realistic View of the Police Role	82	(1)
What Do I Want from a Career?	82	(1)
Preparation: Some Preliminary Considerations	83	(2)
Mobility	83	(1)
Age	83	(1)
Related Experience	83	(1)
Education	84	(1)
Resume Preparation	84	(1)
``Negotiating Hurdles'': The Hiring Process	85	(10)
Application Forms	85	(1)
Written Examination	86	(1)
Physical Fitness/Agility Testing	87	(1)
Oral Interview	88	(3)
The Conditional Offer	91	(1)
The Background Investigation	92	(1)
Psychological Evaluation	93	(1)
Polygraph Examination	94	(1)
Drug Testing	95	(1)
Medical Examination	95	(1)
Formal Entry into Policing: Academy Training	95	(4)
A Major Career Stage	95	(3)
Some Challenges for Women	98	(1)
The Field Training Phase	99	(2)
Summary	101	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	102	(1)
Notes	102	(2)
Experiences of Female Veterans	104	(25)
Key Chapter Terms	104	(1)
Introduction	104	(1)
Women Officers Speak	105	(1)
Factors Influencing the Decision to Enter Law Enforcement	105	(2)
Background Characteristics Leading to This Career Choice: Five Emerging Themes	107	(2)
A Law Enforcement Family	107	(1)
A Military Family	108	(1)
Independence	108	(1)
Participating in Sports	109	(1)
A Dysfunctional Family	109	(1)
Primary Concerns about Becoming a Police Officer	109	(2)
Safety	110	(1)
Physical Training	110	(1)
Personal Abilities	110	(1)
Anticipated Treatment as a Female Officer	110	(1)
Family Support	111	(1)
Racial Considerations	111	(1)
Feeling Accepted	111	(1)
Proof of Self	112	(1)
Community-Policing Orientation	112	(1)
Impact of the Police Subculture	112	(2)
Agency Culture	113	(1)
Female Police Culture	113	(1)
The Culture of Female Officers of Color	114	(1)
Dealing with Discrimination and Harassment	114	(1)
General Advice to New Women Officers	115	(1)
Counsel from Women Law Enforcement Executives	116	(11)
Summary	127	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	127	(1)
Notes	128	(1)
Selected Case Studies: Those Who Wear the Badge and Do the Work	129	(32)
Introduction	129	(1)
Local and State Law Enforcement Officers	130	(22)
Federal Agents	152	(7)
Summary	159	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	160	(1)
Challenges: Looking Forward	161	(10)
Key Chapter Terms	161	(1)
Introduction	162	(1)
Changes Coming to America	162	(2)
A Demographic Shift	162	(1)
Crime and Violence	163	(1)
Homeland Defense	163	(1)
Major Issues for Women in Law Enforcement	164	(3)
Changes in Selection, Training, and Performance Criteria	164	(1)
The Role of Community Policing	165	(1)
Women in Leadership Roles	166	(1)
Need for Diversity	167	(1)
Family Care	167	(1)
Summary	167	(1)
Reader Learning Outcomes	168	(1)
Notes	168	(3)
Appendix I An Example of Community Policing and Problem Solving	171	(2)
Appendix II Successful Strategies for Recruitment of Women: Tales of Six Cities	173	(6)
Appendix III Sample Resume	179	(2)
Appendix IV Selected Police-Related Websites	181	(2)
Glossary	183	(6)
Index	189

Excerpts

I do not believe in "careers" for women. A great responsibility rests upon woman - the training of children. This is her most beautiful task. -- Mother Jones, U.S. labor organizer, 1925 Mother Jones typifies the historical view of many people toward women''s work, and might well represent the thinking of many people today in the United States and abroad. But while it is inarguable that the proper "training" and upbringing of children is one of the most serious responsibilities of any parent, it is also clear that today''s women seek, obtain, and flourish in careers outside their homes to a far greater extent than Mother Jones could have foreseen. This book is about women at work, specifically in the very demanding and often dangerous occupation of law enforcement. While there are many justifiable, significant hurdles to be negotiated by people of both genders seeking employment in this occupation, this book takes the reader through the challenges as they more specifically confront females. During the past 30 years, the proportion of women serving as sworn law enforcement personnel has been growing, as several formal and often subjective barriers to hiring women have been modified or eliminated. Job discrimination lawsuits further expanded their opportunities; however, women remain overwhelmingly employed in the lowest tier of sworn police positions and in the proportion of women holding top command positions (captain and higher). Obviously, women still have a long distance to travel in order to reach parity with men in this occupation. First and foremost, police executives must see the value of utilizing women and vigorously recruit, hire, and retain them. Furthermore, as the community-oriented policing and problem solving (COPPS) strategy continues to expand across the nation and the world, we believe that female officers can play an increasingly vital role in it. Indeed, many experts in the field believe the verbal skills that many women possess can help to usher in a "kinder, gentler organization." The authors feel that this book serves as a unique and valuable resource for Momen who are interested in entering the often daunting and veiled world of policing. It also comprehensively addresses--in a blunt, no-nonsense fashion --the kinds of issues, problems, and challenges that these women will likely face in this quest. This book incorporates interviews which concern career and background information of approximately 100 female law enforcement officers across the United States; these women are, or have been employed in federal, state, and local agencies, with patrol, specialized and investigative, and administrative responsibilities. (Note that the term law enforcement is used throughout the text to include federal, state, and local agencies; furthermore, "local" law enforcement includes both municipal police departments and county sheriff''s offices.) Although a protocol of structured questions was used with ail of the women officers, most respondents provided information beyond that which was requested by the questionnaire, and the officers were also encouraged to expand on their responses. Most interviews lasted about two hours. The interviews were conducted privately and in their offices, patrol vehicles, and other locations such as public schools. Learning Aids Each chapter of this book begins with an overview of the chapter''s key terms and concepts. It is recommended that the reader examine these preliminary items prior to reading the chapter. to obtain an overall flavor of chapter contents as well as some insight as to its more substantive aspects. In addition, at each chapter''s end is a section entitled "Reader Learning Outcomes." explaining which of the chapter''s main points the reader should understand upon its completion. Other instructional aids include figures, tables, and exhibits that are included in several chapters. Finally, a listing of relevant Web sites and addresses is provided in Appendix IV for readers who wish to independently obtain more information about various aspects of women in policing. The authors bring more than 62 years of combined scholarly and policing backgrounds to this effort; as a result, the book contains a "real world" flavor not commonly found. From its introduction, written by Margaret Moore, Director of the National Center for Women in Policing, in Beverly Hills, California. Through the final chapter, the reader receives a penetrating view of what is certainly one of the most difficult and challenging occupations in America, and is written primarily for women wishing to enter its inner sanctum. CHAPTER ORGANIZATION AND CONTENTS IN BRIEF This book is composed of three major parts and nine chapters. Part 1, which includes four chapters, generally establishes the nature of the ''law enforcement field, and their evolution and contemporary status within it. Because many readers will have little knowledge about the levels and structure of law enforcement organizations, the role of the officer or agent, the nature of community policing and constitutional limitations that are placed on the police, we provide that kind of fundamental information in Chapter 1. Note that the federal law enforcement system has changed dramatically since 9/11 and the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security; therefore, that agency is the centerpiece of this chapter. Chapter 2 provides a historical overview of women as they began to enter policing; beginning prior to 1920 and continuing up to the present day. The several reforms for, and greater responsibilities that were placed on women officers are included in this discussion. Chapter 3 reviews tile several legislative enactments and court decision that served to help open the doors to women in the workplace, generally. Chapter 4 focuses on the contemporary nature of women in policing, providing a quantitative profile of their representation in various types of agencies, their representation as supervisors and managers, and personal glimpses into their early and contemporary lives. An underlying theme is that prospective female law enforcement officers should carefully examine and select an agency for employment--one that has come to appreciate that women are important assets for law enforcement. Part II consists of two wide-ranging chapters and generally explores the trials, tribulations, and successes of women in law enforcement today. Chapter 5 examines the research surrounding female officers'' overall performance; the attitudes of male officers, citizens, and the female officers themselves concerning women in policing; how women cope and adapt to the challenges of the job, including occupational stress; some issues that are unique to female officers of color; and female officers'' roles in community policing and problem solving. Chapter 6 details the "hurdle process"--the selection, hiring, and training methods--that are employed by most local law enforcement agencies; this discussion will provide interested persons with a high degree of insight concerning the kinds of tests they would confront upon choosing law enforcement as a career and initiating the hiring process; they will also be better able to commence preparing themselves for this undertaking, both physically and mentally. Some anecdotal information gleaned from information provided by the veteran female officers is included. Part III includes two chapters as well, Chapters 7 and 8, and focuses on the information obtained in a structured questionnaire of approximately 100 women who are now, or have been in the law enforcement field. Their journeys into this traditionally male-oriented and dominated occupation provide much wisdom and advice for others who wish to follow their example. These chapters also underscore the variety of job opportunities that