Equity confounded? Women in Australian Police Organisations

Abstract

There is an extensive literature on policing internationally, with several academic journals devoted exclusively to policing issues. However, there is a relative dearth of research on gender and police organisations. This paper seeks to contribute to redressing this lack of gender-related policing research, through an examination of employment equity within the Queensland Police Service, with specific reference to the Fitzgerald Inquiry and the recruitment of policewomen. The paper also makes reference to the New South Wales experience. The paper questions the argument that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) legislation and policies have been significant factors in the advancement of women in policing. While recognising that these have had some beneficial influence, it points to the greater importance in specific jurisdictions of systematic efforts to transform the cultures, work and management practices of police organisations and the pivotal influence of Police Commissioners.