Path and Culture expectations - Essay Example

Path and Culture Expectations Path and Culture Expectations American women have worked in law enforcement since the start of the 19th century; however, the role of women in law enforcement has mainly been subordinate. This is because, over the years, women used to be mostly relegated to jobs such as clerical jobs. In the recent past, the role of women in American law enforcement has changed remarkably, and this has led to the emergence of women as detectives and cops. As a result of affirmative action and civil rights movement, as well as the work of feminists, women have managed to work in some positions initially held by men only.

Despite the fact that women take part in law enforcement, the American law enforcement can be regarded as male dominated, in relation to gender make up. The American system of law enforcement tends to have more men than women. This emanates from some of the traditionally held beliefs, which assert that men should take jobs in security forces while women should be involved in other jobs where they do not compromise their lives (Scarborough & Collins, 2002).Within the law enforcement, there tends to be varying perceptions, reception, as well as treatment of women.

In some cases, women law enforcers may not be respected, but rather treated unfairly by their male counterparts. For example, sexual harassment is a common phenomenon in law enforcement, especially when women are subordinate to men; men may violate the rights of women (Scarborough & Collins, 2002). Rookies may face immense challenges when they try to fit together with senior and old police officers. Rookies are always perceived as juniors and senior officers usually allocate them menial duties, as well as exercise excessive authorities over them (Cole et. al., 2013).

Humility is a key virtue in law enforcement; in order to be accepted in the culture of law enforcement, rookies have to portray humility while dealing with their seniors. Rookies are not immediately accepted, and they have to be humble to the older officers. Humility is a quality that plays a crucial role in enhancing leadership skills in law enforcement (Cole et. al., 2013).References Cole, G. F., Smith, C. E., & DeJong, C. (2013). The American system of criminal justice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Scarborough, K. E., & Collins, P. A. (2002). Women in law enforcement: Policing and private security. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann.