Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Dianne Williams

Abstract

Despite progress in other career fields, women remain underrepresented in law enforcement by a large margin, and recent numbers have been stable. Issues for women in law enforcement have been well researched; however, few recent studies have detailed female police officers’ personal experiences. The study problem concerned the challenges and barriers faced by women who choose law enforcement as a career and their underrepresentation. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of female police officers, recruits, and applicants living in southeastern Texas and their perceptions of challenges and barriers for women in the field. Data were collected to understand women’s experiences using in-depth interviews and a qualitative questionnaire. The research questions concerned the participants’ perceptions of factors contributing to low representation, the barriers that they faced during the academy and hiring process, as officers, and while remaining in policing. The theoretical framework used to interpret results included labeling and conflict theories. A purposeful sample of seven full-time women police officers from three law enforcement agencies participated. The data analysis consisted of coding and theming, followed by describing the findings in a narrative form. Four themes emerged from the analysis: gender discrimination, sexual harassment and assault, family and personal factors, and leadership. The results may contribute to positive social change by raising awareness of women officers’ employment, discrimination and harassment concerns, and accomplishments in law enforcement. Additionally, findings may assist police administrators and legislators in creating policies and procedures that reflect awareness of female officers’ needs.

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