Ask the women in blue: Female officers’ thoughts on the recruitment and retention of women in policing
May 26th, 2025
The article “Ask the Women in Blue: Female Officers’ Thoughts on the Recruitment and Retention of Women in Policing”, published in 2024 in Volume 18 of Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, presents a study aimed at exploring the perceptions of 40 current and former female law enforcement officers in the United States regarding the recruitment and retention of women in policing.
Through the use of semi-structured interviews, the authors — Rachael M. Rief, Samantha S. Clinkinbeard, Lexi E. Goodijohn, and Trisha N. Rhodes — examine potential strategies for increasing female representation in police forces, which currently stands at approximately 14%.
Although the valuable contributions of women to the profession — particularly in reducing incidents of excessive use of force — are widely recognized, their integration continues to be hindered by structural and cultural barriers.
The study highlights various approaches to enhancing female recruitment, such as the importance of outreach and mentorship, with the aim of fostering greater inclusion and participation of women in law enforcement.
To read and download the article, click here.