Women in Law Enforcement

Throughout history there has always been an enormous obstacle for women to overcome in the workplace. Occupational Segregation has continuously acted as a force that impedes on the daily lives of female workers across the world. It not only eliminates several chances for women to capitalize on opportunistic events, but has also denied them of the basic civil rights they are entitled to. Jobs ranging from the military, sports, and even the corporate world have long been dominated by an aura of masculine characteristics. Why is our society structured in such an uncivilized way? Some women may not possess the "supposed" masculine attributes that are sought for in numerous industries, but in all honestly just as many men fail to meet those requirements too. However, over the last few decades the feminist society started to recognize this male weakness and has now taken advantage of opportunities they were previously not permitted to. "Women today constitute 47% of the American labor force – very close to half – compared with 30% in 1950" (Hyde, Pg. 252). This quote represents a shifting economic pattern where women are finally achieving personal prosperity. While female workers are now more popular than ever in some industries, their status in law enforcement stands as a controversial issue in the public eye. Does occupational segregation currently exist in police work? The truth is that "the occupation has long been dominated by men and closely associated with the stereotypical inexpressive masculinity of Sergeant Friday" (Dubeck, Pg. 126). Although "today's police organizational attitudes are finally beginning to change, once the last bastion of male domination in the workplace, serious problems still remain" (Felperin, Pg. 1).

The first ever female police officers were hired in New York City in 1845. "Before women were commonly employed as fully sworn police officers, many police forces employed uniformed women with limited powers to search and look after female

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