Female Representation in Law Enforcement: The Influence of Screening, Unions, Incentives, Community Policing, CALEA, and Size. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schuck, Amie M.
• Is Part Of: Police quarterly. Volume 17:Number 1(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: women in policing -- female representation -- gender diversity; Police -- Periodicals; Law enforcement -- Periodicals; Police -- Périodiques; Lois -- Application -- Périodiques; 363.2
• DOI: 10.1177/1098611114522467
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-6111

Abstract

Using data over 4, 000 agencies, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of community, organization, and economic factors on the representation of women in law enforcement. The results highlight the influence that police executives and community leaders have on gender diversity by way of creating a greater demand for women in the profession. Higher levels of female officer representation were associated with organizations that emphasize community policing; have higher education requirements, more incentives and benefits, no physical fitness screening criteria, and no collective bargaining rights; belong to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; and serve larger and more racially and ethnical diverse communities.