Women in Law Enforcement: The American Experience

Nathan R. Moran and Robert D. Hanser

Abstract
Throughout history, the role that women have played in the criminal justice system has
been one that has been significantly different than has been experienced by men.
Societal expectations of women have shaped the views of the public regarding what is
appropriate for females. This has been true whether the women were employed within a
prison or jail capacity, whether law enforcement oriented, or if the female was an
offender. It is safe to say that women have often had restrictions placed upon them by
expectations of what is gender-appropriate. These perspectives, for the most part, have
been generated by a system that has normally been led and governed by men.

Keywords: Women in Policing; Equal Employment Opportunity; USA; “Glass
Ceiling”