Over the years women have made progress fighting their career battles with society. Most believe women cannot be as successful as men when it comes to …show more content…
They were viewed as mothers with badges. Although matrons were working with law enforcement they were not able to perform ‘patrol’ duties, until Marie Owen’s case. Marie Owens worked for Chicago Police Department in 1891 who assisted with cases involving women and children, due to her work ethics she was the first women to receive arresting powers. The Chief of Police, Robert McCaughey took notice of Owen’s efforts in tracking down wife deserters, she was relentless in catching these men and turning them into police authorities. Therefore, Chief McCaughey decided to make Owen’s the first female employ in the detective bureau, as a Sergeant No. 97 with a rank, badge and salary pay. Marie Owen’s had a major influence on women entering the law enforcement field but there were still many who did not support female authorities, especially when the situation involves the question of physical strength and dangerous situations. In 1908 Lola Baldwin was given police powers and put in charge of a group of social workers for the Oregon Police Department. Equivalent to Marie Owen’s, Baldwin’s integrity …show more content…
Personal issues can have a huge effect for women who work in law enforcement but this can affect either gender. Some studies have found female officers are more likely to quit their job or sacrifice losing some touch with their personal life such as their children’s school activities, sports games or family events. Although many women in law enforcement indicate that their families support their choice of career, those who are married or living with a significant other develop several family problems. Many people do not realize policing is not a nine-to-five day job. Those on patrol may be required to work double shifts or swapping shifts, in the case of the female officer if there are children are involved, child care can become a major issue. Another problem that can hugely affect a female officer is being employed outside and inside of her home. Whereas she has to complete her first shift patrolling the streets and coming home to her second shift taking care of her household which can take a toll. Women tend to do the larger share of parenting in the home, especially if the children are at a young age. Male spouses are involved and hold responsibility for their child’s care, but women are known to have more control of the nurturing care with their child. For decades a major ongoing issue is the sexual harassment, discrimination and lack of mentors women face in police