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Gender And Policing: Not As Bad As It Seems? Since The Beginning Of The ...


Gender and Policing: Not as Bad as It Seems?
Since the beginning of the movement of women into policing, women have a greater presence in many social institutions, not merely the police. Even those who argue that their presence in social control agencies is largely token must admit that extensive inroads have been made. Though it is doubtful at this stage that women will someday make up half of the police force, it is by no means impossible. Many women are no longer militant about their involvement in social control institutions, but simply want to be a meaningful presence that does not seek to dominate, but to have an impact. Despite all the work that still needs to be done, the picture of women in the police force is perhaps not as bleak or simplistic as some would have us believe. The entry of women into the police signifies their entry into one of the most vehemently masculine professions that exist today. Despite the obstacles that still exist for women in policing, they continue to press on to build successful and long-lasting careers. The number of women in positions of power in the police is slowly but steadily rising, and a few women are even in significant positions of power.
So, despite the struggles which women still face as police officers, there is growing evidence that even the field of policing has felt the immense recent changes in the sociocultural environment. Agendas relating to gender issues are unmistakable in practically every profession, with things like sexual harassment and equal pay given much more emphasis than in years gone by. In some instances, there are government targets linked to expected changes in the system. While these agendas may be presented as not being associated with gender, in policing the suggested changes certainly seem more feminine. The idea of community oriented policing which is advocated primarily in the United States is particularly feminine concept, which focuses on communication and co-operation, rather than projecting the traditional image of the suspicious police officer keenly, observing the movements of his subjects. In Britain, too, the community approach to policing is utilised to the extent that the police are viewed as public servants who exist to serve their respective populations rather than dominate them. The disparity between the positives and negatives of women in policing ensures that it will be a pertinent issue in policing for many years to come.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Leishman, F., Loveday, B., and Savage, S., Eds. (2000) Core Issues in Policing, Essex: Longman
Newburn, T., Ed., (2003) Handbook of Policing, Devon: Willan Publishing
Newburn, T., Ed. (2005) Policing: Key Readings, Devon: Willan Publishing
Silvestri, M. (2003) Women in Charge, Devon: Willan Publishing
Westmarland, L.


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