Atlantic Women in
Law Enforcement
Les Femmes Policiere des Provinces de
L'Atlantique
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Atlantic Women in
Law Enforcement |
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m a s c u l i n e
Traits
Noted researcher J Brown states, "it is worthwhile remembering that the NSW Police Force was created by men for men. It places value on masculine traits such as the value of physical strength, exploits of violence and boasting about their sexual encounters or feats of drinking. The result can be the creation of a hostile, often sexualize environment for women who are undermined or devalued because they do not fit into the male model of police". 1
Joseph Balkin relates a case study from America where 86 newly trained policemen and 86 newly trained policewomen from the same class were matched for experience and general background such as civil service test scores and education.
"It was found that the men and women performed patrol work in a generally similar manner. They responded to similar calls and encountered similar situations. But some differences were noted... the women made fewer arrests and issued fewer traffic tickets. They seemed more effective in diffusing potentially violent situations. Their policing style was less aggressive. The men were more often found guilty of unbecoming conduct."
"Citizen observers reported that the policemen and policewomen were equally effective in these incidents. But the male police remained convinced that men are country with a male sergeant. Having just come from better in violent situations; rated policewomen as less Redfern I was preparing to wade in when I was directed competent and preferred not to work with them."2 I decided to stay outside by the accompanying sergeant. I paused for 10 seconds, assuming, wrongly, that I had done something to make him perceive me as incompetent.
2Balkin J 1988, Journal of Police Science and Administration, Vol 16 No 1 29-38, Why Policemen don't like Policewomen.
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