Benefits of Women in Law Enforcement
- "Empirical research has consistently held that women when compared to men, were more likely to provide supporting and altruistic behaviors to others and were more empathetic than men" (Rabe-Hemp, 2008).
- A number of evaluations have been done in order to research the effectiveness of male versus female officers throughout departments in major cities across the country. The results clearly show that men and women are equally as capable performing the duties of an officer (Lonsway, 2003, p. 3).
- Data from the National Center for Women and Policing shows that women's style of conflict resolution is more communication based over the more physical style of male officers. This is an important benefit at a time when police departments have become under fire for excessive force.
- Possible acceptance and adoption of more gender equal policies
- Many believe women's superior communication skills make them best fit for cases involving women and children.
- "Female officers use less force in arrest situations with citizens than male officers" (Rabe-Hemp, 2008).