Police Officer Differences

Police work has a significant strain on it officers and their families, being one of the few among many increases a unique element to that strain. When you are categorized into a group because of gender or race people often treat you differently; which then makes you feel different. Are you different? Can you prove them otherwise? Nearly 12 percent of today’s police force are made up of women and approximately 20 percent are represented by ethnic minorities. In 2000, about 11 percent of all police officers were women and fewer than 7 percent of state police officers. The number of women in a department depends on many variables, department recruitment policies and local economic conditions that may or may not make policing an attractive career for men or women. (brass) There are several factors that influence a minority officer’s experience. According to Dr. Kirschman, these factors include the climate of the organization where the officer works, the degree of the department’s administrative and supervisory support and its commitment to fairness to all employees, the community attitudes and politics, prevailing norms in society, the …show more content…
Women seek police officer positions for the same reason men do, women want secure, well-paid jobs that matter, a career. Traditional jobs that are open to women do not offer the variety, excitement, and respect that law enforcement offers. The job as a police officer pays well and it offers opportunities for advancement. Women can be role models for young women and provide quality services for women who are the victims of rape or domestic violence who have difficulty to confide in male officers. Conditioned to be nurturers, women are exceptionally suited to deal with quality of life issues and relationship building. These suits are essential for community policing. For these reasons, women provide remarkable contributions to law