Measuring Progress in Gender Equity in Australian Policing

Abstract

Background This study is focused on the status of women in Australia policing in terms of aggregate level data. That is, the concern is with numerical outcomes and the diagnostic potential of such an approach. The premise is that numerical gender equality is desirable across policing functions. This is assumed on social justice principles, in terms of the equal performance capacity of women, and with reference to a right of access to female police officers by female offenders and female victims of crime. In terms of pressing concerns about police behaviour, there is also an argument that may be considered regarding the likelihood that women police will be less confrontational in dealing with the public, and less prone to abuse their power (Brereton 1999). However, as a rationale for employing more women, this arguably will be less significant than equal employment opportunity (EEO) imperatives. There is also an assumption in this paper about the legitimacy of some forms of 'unequal treatment' or affirmative action to improve the position of groups, such as women, who have a history of marginalisation. The research behind these premises is well established and therefore will not be developed here. Questions of equal treatment and affirmative action are covered in the general literature