An exploration of crime by policewomen

Abstract

The current study explores criminal conduct by policewomen. This information is increasingly relevant as police departments hire more women, especially if the crimes committed by policewomen differ from those of policemen. News searches identified 105 cases depicting arrests of policewomen. A content analysis was performed. Findings indicate differences exist between crimes committed by policemen and policewomen, as well as by policewomen and women in general. Crime by policewomen is most often profit-motivated. Policewomen had fewer years of service and lower ranks, committed less violent crimes, and were more likely to receive suspensions for off-duty crimes compared to their male peers.

Keywords:

• policewomen
• police crime
• crime by policewomen
• police misconduct

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by Award No. 2011-IJ-CX-0024, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.

Notes on contributors

Philip Matthew Stinson, Sr., JD, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Criminal Justice Program at Bowling Green State University. His research has been published in Criminal Justice Policy Review, International Journal of Police Science and Management, Police Quarterly, and The Prison Journal. His primary research interests include police behaviors related to police crime, corruption, and misconduct, as well as mental health issues in the criminal justice system, and newsmaking criminology.

Natalie Erin Todak, MSCJ, is a doctoral student in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. She earned her Master’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University and her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego.

Mary Dodge, PhD, is a professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver and the director of the Master’s of Criminal Justice Program. Her research has appeared in Women & Criminal Justice, International Journal of Police Science and Management, The Prison Journal, Police Quarterly, and Violence Against Women. Her research interests include white-collar crime, women in the criminal justice system, and policing.