"I Think It's Still a Male-Dominated World": Detachment Services Assistants' Perceptions and Experiences of a Gendered Police Organization. (July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norman, Mark; Ricciardelli, Rosemary
• Is Part Of: Feminist criminology. Volume 18:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 183
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Subjects: police -- gender -- detachment services assistants -- public servants -- civilianization; Feminist criminology -- Periodicals; Female offenders -- Periodicals; 364.37405
• DOI: 10.1177/15570851231153713
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-0851

Abstract

Police organizations, typically considered masculine paramilitary organizations, are employing increasing numbers of women in non-sworn roles. We investigate the experiences and perceptions of a specific group of non-sworn personnel, Detachment Services Assistants (DSAs) working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, unpacking their perceptions of a slowly-changing gendered organizational culture. We analyze how their fluid performances of femininities allow them to navigate a gendered workplace environment that, at times, can marginalize them based on their gender and occupational status. The study makes a novel contribution to the policing literature on gender and the role of non-sworn personnel in policing.