Diversity in our law agencies - Essay Example

However, the gender bias that exists in police department begins right at the hiring stage where applicants are required to perform a Physical Abilities test where they have to scale a 6 foot wall and other physical acts that call for strength in the upper body, where women are weeded out. Moreover, the smaller number of women police officers creates an environment that predisposes towards sexual harassment and discrimination at the workplace. Women are subjected to sexual innuendos and unwanted advances from their superiors and find it difficult to help female victims of domestic violence in the environment of male bias that exists in the police force.

Since most police officers work in teams with one “rookie” officer assigned to work with an older, more experienced officer, the mentor-student approach sometimes tends to create personal conflicts and instances of sexual harassment. The tough nature of the job itself is exacerbated by personal tensions that creep up between a female rookie and a tough, male officer-mentor. In an occupation that has been a traditionally male dominated bastion, there also exists an unspoken “brotherhood” that tends to promote and favor male officers over females, based upon the false perception that women are inherently weaker and incapable of the harsh realities of police work.

(Shusta et al, 1995). The existence of the stereotypes about the physical or psychological characteristics makes it even harder for women to break into the tough world of policing. The common perception is that women are less effective on the field and are better relegated to purely administrative positions within the department. While one standard is applied to assess the ability and skill of men for higher positions within the department, a different standard is applied for women, often requiring them to