Q & A Table of Contents
A Woman in Law Enforcement
From: Bea, North Carolina
Question: I am very interested in the field of police work, but it was brought to my attention by another officer, that traditionally men hold these positions. I personally think that being a female, that that would be correct because the law enforcement field has been dominated by males and that it would be acceptable for a female officer with many years of experince to enter the field.
Response: Dear Bea,
Thanks for your question. Where I come from as the father of two
daughters, the idea of any profession being locked up based on a person's gender is impossible to accept.
If your question is whether you should go forward with the intention of advancing yourself in law enforcement, clearly the fact you are a female should not be a part of the equation. That is a philosophical position, with no practical value.
From a practical standpoint, once you have determined the direction in which you want to go, the next step to take is to figure out what it is going to take to get there. Do you need a certain amount or kind of
education? Is there an experience requirement? Are you facing a situation where politics is relevant? In that case, it may make sense to figure out how decisions are made and develop the kind of qualities that make you the appropriate person for the job you want.
In summary, you need to figure out your own interests and those of the
folks who make decisions. Then you need to work out what you need to do to bring those separate interests together.
I wish you luck and fortitude.
Steve.
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