The Gendered Nature of Police Work: Exploring Differences at an Individual, Organizational, and Structural Level

• In Event: Police Organization: Leaders and Organizational Practices

Abstract

Despite ongoing efforts to increase female representation in policing, particularly in senior roles, the profession remains male-dominated as the number of women officers remains low. Traditional expectations that prioritize physical strength continue to shape perceptions of police work, influencing both individual experiences and organizational structures. To explore the continued gendered nature of police work, we interviewed Canadian police officers about their experiences. Our analysis revealed distinct gendered patterns in attitudes, duties, and unit placements. On an individual level, female officers were more likely to be assigned secretarial and emotionally demanding tasks, while male officers were more often assigned physically demanding duties. At the organizational level, female officers were more often represented in emotionally intensive units (e.g., special victims units), while male officers were highly represented in physically demanding units (e.g., tactical teams). Historically, women have been excluded from frontline roles and were relegated to secretarial work. Our findings suggest that individuals in positions of power, often holding sexist attitudes, continue to reinforce these patterns, thereby limiting opportunities for women and perpetuating traditional, gendered expectations. This research highlights the persistent challenge of dismantling gender-based stereotypes and biases within policing, which limit opportunities for women and reinforce traditional, gendered expectations.

Authors

• Sarah Scott, University of Toronto Mississauga

• Lorna Ferguson, University of Regina

• Judith P. Andersen, University of Toronto Mississauga