Are assessment processes in initial police training gendered? A qualitative exploration of gender roles and the crime-fighter paradigm.

• In Event: POL Panel 24. Police training: Gendered practices, new technology, competency development and use of force

Abstract

This research was prompted by the fact that, following an increase in the number of female police candidates as a result of the adoption of targeted measures, gender differences were observed in the pass rates of the selective course to become a police officer in Catalonia (Spain). Women were more likely to fail the course. This study explores whether this can be explained by women being effectively excluded from policing by a subculture that reinforces characteristics consistent with the crime-fighting paradigm, as the existing research suggests (Brown et al, 2020). The study uses qualitative data from observations of simulations in initial police training, which involve role-playing in which students act out scenarios to improve their problem-solving skills at the Police School of Catalonia. The findings suggest that there is a gender bias within the evaluation process of basic police training, which suggests that the traditional way in which evaluation is carried out should be reviewed and a gender perspective should be included.

Author

• Lola Valles, Institute for Public Security of Catalonia