NCJ Number
138267
Journal
Policing and Society Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 205-218
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Data obtained from a multiple method, longitudinal study of recruitment, training, and socialization into the Derbyshire (England) police force were used to compare male and female police recruits' attitudes on the suitability of women for police work. Four intakes comprising a total of 125 recruits--115 males and 10 females--were followed through their initial training, probationary period, and first year of service.
Abstract
Responses to interview questions noted that, while some male constables grudgingly accepted their female colleagues, they still had qualms based in policing's tough image and generally accepted opinions about feminine qualities. There was some overlap in the responses made by those who stuck by general pro- and anti-female constable positions, but many men continued to think that a woman constable's place was strictly in the station house. On most routine policing and general attitude questions, the data indicate that the sex of recruits was not a significant attitude discriminator. While lack of physical strength and consequent problems in dangerous situations was the reason given by most male recruits for their negative attitude toward women officers, incidents involving physical force, particularly in England, are rare. Recruitment patterns and attitudes may change as a result of the attitudes of female officers, general recruitment difficulties, fiscal constraints exacerbating the cost of wastage, and public demands for more sensitive policing. 39 references