An Examination of Perceptual Challenges Faced by Female Police Officers

Abstract

This study examined the culture of female police officers by evaluating perceptual challenges associated with their role. The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of female police officers in a traditional male-dominated occupation. Primary data analyses was obtained through telephone questionnaires (n=15) conducted between March and April 2016 and online surveys (n=110) completed between November 2015 and January 2016 with a sample of female police officers who are employed in the state of Texas. Findings show that current organizational challenges are physical limitations, family, policing is a “man’s job”, approval from male police officers, society, intra-gender relationships, promotion process, and administration. Personal challenges, such as family life, are also current challenges for female police officers. The results establish that gender inequality not only exists in policing, but challenges have remained relatively stable overtime. However, sexual harassment and tokenism is not as prevalent as found to be in previous literature.