Women in Policing – Why is there an under

Transcript:Women in Policing – Why is there an under:
Women in Policing – Why is there an under recruitment of women as Police Officers? By Rhiannon Churchman (Professional Policing – 19012903) 1. Introduction & Background Aim = To explore the factors that cause the under recruitment of women as police officers. Objectives = To evaluate whether public perceptions of female officers impacts female recruitment. To assess whether personal experience factors impact female recruitment. To assess the publics opinion on opportunities for females in the police. To determine what female attitudes towards careers in the police are. Statistics: 1915 – 1st female officer sworn in with equal powers 2015 – 28.2% of UK’s officers were female Currently – 32.4% of UK’s officers are female (Jackson, 2014 and BBC, 2021). Disproportionality: UK Population – 789,816 more women than men England & Wales 2021 – 69,995 male police constables, 36,606 female police constables (Sebire, 2020 and Statista, 2021). 5. Conclusion Findings suggest the existence of factors relating to: public perceptions, personal experiences, female attitudes & public opportunities for women in the police. Past & current research alongside the findings show both similar and comparative views suggesting a mixed perception on women being in the police. Overall since the initial integration of women in the police, female officers roles and experiences and other’s perception of them has improved considerably. Regardless of a improvement many issues are still prevalent today as they were years before. To conclude: Whilst this research project has no capability to cause great change it creates an awareness of the issues faced by women, an insight into female opinions on a policing career and into circumstances surrounding career decisions. 6. References BBC (2021) 20th century - women police officers, transport and communication. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z9y9fcw/revision/6 (Accessed: 24/11/2021). Byrne, F. (2022) Old Metropolitan Police advert searches for 'good looking hefty girls' and advises those married 'not to apply'. Available at: https://www.mylondon.news/news/uk-world-news/old-metropolitan-police-advert-searches-23190519 (Accessed: 16/04/2022). College of Policing (2021) Police hire more women than ever before. Available at: https://www.college.police.uk/article/police-hire-more-women-ever (Accessed: 20/12/21). Dick, G. and Metcalfe, B (2002) 'Is the force still with her? Gender and Commitment in the Police', Women in Management Review, 17(8), pp. 392-403. Available at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09649420210451823/full/html#idm45914998842464 (Accessed: 19/12/21). Greater Manchester Police (2021) History of Women in Policing. Available at: https://gmpmuseum.co.uk/collection-item/history-of-women-in-policing/ (Accessed: 19/11/2021). Jackson, L. (2014) The First World War and the first female police officer. Available at: https://history.blog.gov.uk/2014/06/17/the-first-world-war-and-the-first-female-police-officer/ (Accessed: 24/11/2022). Sebire, J. (2020) 'Why Gender Equality in Policing is Important