Learning from the Perceptions of Women in Policing

Women have always been underrepresented in the policing profession, and, early on, women police officers were put on desk duty or restricted to dealing with minor offenses. In some departments, the first women officers were unsworn and received less pay than their male coworkers. Traditionally, police work has been seen as a masculine profession, and the general image of policing has focused on the aspects that are “stereotypically male.” However, research has documented the benefits of female police officers as part of the force, including ensuring the interests of the public, demonstrating a commitment to equal opportunity, enhancing the public image of police, building better relationships with communities, and enhancing an ethic of care.

As part of the 30×30 Initiative to have women make up 30 percent of U.S. police officers by 2030, Foundation Research Associates (FRA) asked that a survey be conducted with the female police officers who were registered for the inaugural Women in Law Enforcement Summit in 2022. This was an exploratory study that was designed to understand why women enter policing and how they feel they are perceived by the public and their departments.

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