Promotional and Non-Stereotypical Policing Roles: Are Women Opting Out?

• Main Author: Susan Robinson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Charles Sturt University 2013-01-01
• Series: Salus Journal
• Subjects: policing; police women; specialist policing; gender; police leadership
• Online Access: http://www.salusjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2013/03/Robinson_Salus_Journal_Issue_1_Number_3_2013_pp_1-12.pdf

There is an appearance that women are uninterested in applying for positions in specialist areas of policing such as tactical operations, traffic and highway patrol, and counterterrorism. It cannot be assumed however that the low numbers of women is indicative of a lack of interest or will to be involved in these areas as there may be unidentified structural impediments preventing them from gaining access to these jobs. This paper critically discusses the issues relevant to women’s involvement in specialist policing roles and what can be done by police leaders to encourage greater employment of women in specialist policing roles.