Breaking the Blue Ceiling: The Contribution of Gender Diversity to Police Productivity in the US

• In Event: Quantitative Contributions to Criminal Justice Research

Abstract

This study explores gender diversity's impact on police department productivity levels in the United States over the period 2010 to 2022. It considers to what degree different levels of female presence have on police effectiveness with a view to establishing if a relationship exists between gender diversity and improved organizational efficiency in law agencies. Utilizing a two-stage empirical framework, the study uses the Global Malmquist Productivity Index (GMPI) to calculate changes over time in their productivity level and then uses fixed effects regression analyses to consider gender diversity's role after controlling socioeconomic and demographics. The findings show agencies with at least 30% female presence registered a 29% rise in their productivity level compared to a modest 3% increase among those with lesser diversity. Decomposition of GMPI factors indicates that more female presence enhances efficiency in operations and advances technology adoption. Regression analyses substantiate a positive relationship between gender diversity and efficiency dimensions, technology adoption, and productivity with impacts of 16 to 29%. The findings highlight gender diversity's importance in increasing police performance and provide empirical justification to policies like the 30x30 Initiative that target increased female presence in law agencies.

Authors

• Erik Alda, Marymount University

• Ljubinka Andonoska, University of Texas at El Paso