Author ORCID Identifier
Clinkinbeard - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1839-2877
Reif - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1628-0169
Rhodes - https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8710-7850
Goodijohn - https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6230-3763
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-30-2024
Publication Title
Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice
Volume
18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paad102
Abstract
Women bring many benefits to policing but represent only 14% of sworn police in the United States. Researchers have examined different recruitment strategies, yet few have sought insight from women officers themselves. We explored women officers’ perspectives on recruiting and retaining more women in policing. Using semi-structured interviews, we asked 40 current and retired women officers how police agencies can better target women to increase their representation. Responses were analyzed using open coding techniques. Participants noted difficulty hiring amid a larger police staffing crisis. They also discussed the structure and culture of police work as barriers to the recruitment and retention of women and suggested outreach and mentorship as strategies to increase integration. These findings have policy and practice implications related to increasing the integration and entrance of women in policing.
Recommended Citation
Rachael M Rief, Samantha S Clinkinbeard, Lexi E Goodijohn, Trisha N Rhodes, Ask the women in blue: Female officers’ thoughts on the recruitment and retention of women in policing, Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, Volume 18, 2024, paad102, https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paad102
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Comments
This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice following peer review. The version of record [insert complete citation information here] is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paad102