Women in Policing: Feminist Perspectives on Theory and Practice

Women in Policing provides an insight into women's role within policing, their emergence, and development, offering a theoretical underpinning to explore this role and incorporating two empirical studies. It argues that accepting institutional racism and misogyny is vital for transformational change in policing practice and concludes with a discussion of how these findings can help with police confidence and legitimacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Women in Policing is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of women within the policing profession, encompassing their historical emergence, development, and current landscape. The book offers a theoretical framework to understand and examine this role, while also incorporating two empirical studies. The first study, based on in-depth interviews with female officers, provides a firsthand account of their experiences and challenges in the field. The second study, utilizing Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, examines police officer disciplinary offenses in three police force areas to shed light on the prevalence and nature of such offenses.

The book begins by delving into the historical context of ideas about women and their purported nature, highlighting the significance of feminist perspectives and critique in understanding their place within the policing field. Cunningham employs a feminist lens to critically analyze these themes, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.

The book also explores the re-emergence of these ideas in contemporary women and policing literature, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of affairs. By employing a feminist conceptual framework, the book offers a reflective and reflexive perspective on the place of women in policing in England.

One of the key arguments made by the author is that the acceptance of institutional racism and institutional misogyny is essential in driving transformative change in policing practice. The book advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to policing, recognizing the unique challenges and experiences faced by women officers and working towards creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace.

The book concludes with a discussion of how these findings can contribute to improving police confidence and legitimacy in the future. The author suggests that by addressing the issues highlighted in the book, police organizations can enhance their reputation and build trust with the communities they serve.

Women in Policing is a valuable resource for police practitioners, students, criminology, sociology, and law and policing scholars alike. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the role of women in policing, shedding light on the historical, social, and cultural factors that have shaped their integration and continuation in the profession. The book's empirical studies and theoretical framework offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women officers, and its recommendations for transformative change are relevant and timely. Overall, Women in Policing is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and evolving landscape of women in policing and the critical role they play in maintaining public safety and promoting justice.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367710699