New York City Police Department Downsizing and Its Impact on Female Officer Employment

Abstract

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been downsizing its police force since about 2000. It is unclear whether the downsizing has had a negative impact on female police officer employment and promotions at each police rank. In addition, it is unclear whether the downsizing has reduced the number of new female police officers over the past 12 years. This study examines the impact that the downsizing has had on White and minority female police officers at each police rank within the NYPD. The findings reveal that the total number of Hispanic female officers increased from 1,606 in 2000 to 2,094 in 2012, while the total number of Asian female officers increased from 78 in 2000 to 141 in 2012. The findings also show that the level of diversity among the female police force increased from 2000 to 2012 despite the downsizing.