Sex Differences in the Perception of Male and Female Police Officers in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract Male and female citizens' perception of male and female police officers was measured by a rating scale consisting of 14 semantic differential dimensions. The main between-subjects effect (sex of subjects) was not significant. Female subjects, however, rated policewomen as faster, stronger, and more effective than the male subjects did. Both male and female police officers were perceived as courteous, friendly, and helpful as well as considerate. Male officers were also rated as strong and suspicious; female officers were also seen as fair, kind, protective, and patient.