An Evolutionary Typology of Women Police Officers

ABSTRACT

Based on exploratory research, a conceptual scheme is presented which is useful for understanding and characterizing women police officers. Using observational techniques and semi-structured interviews, data were collected from 20 female officers over 18 months in 5 police departments in the United States. Categorical typologies are presented which were developed cognizant of various tensions facing female officers and the differential coping strategies that various groups (in part based on temporal differences) have employed. Officers are vertically categorized by years of service, motivation, and ambitions. A horizontal classification is presented based on their consciously selected clique group membership (amazon, hippolyte, group acceptance and lesbian/bisexual). The categorizations were influenced by the stresses facing female officers. The study suggests that despite facing unique stresses and obstacles, women officers (in part due to their perseverance and ability) are increasingly becoming not only accepted, but a fundamental and vital part of contemporary policing.