Female Participation in the Police Promotion Process: Are Women Competing for Promotion in Numbers Proportionate to their Statistical Representation in Policing?

Author

Brent Shea, Western University

Date of Award

12-1-2008

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Program

Political Science

Supervisor

Agócs, Carol

Geographical Areas

Ontario

Abstract

This paper examines the participation rate and success of female officers in the police promotion process viewed within the theoretical context of organizational culture, systemic discrimination, and the pipeline and glass ceiling theories. A survey of female officers employed with the Ontario Police Services between 2000 and 2007 was conducted. The findings reveal that although the challenges and obstacles faced by women have not disappeared, encouraging progress has been made. For both the sergeant and staff sergeant ranks, women are seeking promotion in proportions that exceed the historic and weighted seniority requirements associated with police promotions that previously required pre-determined time in the male-dominated field.

Recommended Citation

Shea, Brent, "Female Participation in the Police Promotion Process: Are Women Competing for Promotion in Numbers Proportionate to their Statistical Representation in Policing?" (2008). MPA Major Research Papers. 72.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/72