Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/65600
Lack of Legislation (External Barrier) The federal government has attempted to remove promotion and inclusion bar- riers through legislation such as the EEO Act of 1972 and The Crime Control Act of 1973. Recently, The Fairness in Rest- rooms Existing in Stations (Fire Stations) Act (H.R. 3753) was introduced, which would provide grants to fire stations to build women's restrooms and facilities. Sponsors of the bill claim the pro- motion of gender equity in fire depart- ments and increasing promotion and advancement opportunities for female firefighters would be one of the positive outcomes of the legislation. With local governments facing greater fiscal con- straints, law enforcement administrators can push for more grant opportunities to remodel outdated public safety facilities and increase gender equity in the field of law enforcement. Socialization (External Barrier) Promotion and inclusion barriers to fe- male police officers find their roots in male / female socialization processes. Men and women render different perceptions of the role of female police officers as a result of their socialization from birth into adult- hood. While attitudes toward females en- tering the field of law enforcement have become somewhat more favorable with time, preconceived notions of what the role of men and women should be in our society are still uneven. Many law enforcement administrators are faced with the challenge of re-thinking the be- liefs they have formulated from childhood to adulthood about the role of men and women in the workplace. However, by addressing the issue through training programs, and by advancing the issue to the forefront of lead- ership discussions, a greater awareness and ability to change beliefs can occur. Routine daily stresses in law enforcement present challenges for both female and male police officers. However, when com- pounded by these promotion and inclusion barriers, female police officers face even greater challenges when performing their duties. By knowing where to locate barriers and proactively taking steps to eliminate those barriers, law enforcement adminis- trators can decrease potential legal conse- quences for their local governments and increase the performance abilities of their subordinates and increase public safety. Sergeant Lisa R. Grace, M.P.A., serves for a public safety department in Michigan where during her 15 years' tenure has performed in the capacity of evidence technician, confined space search & rescue team, and bicycle patrol. Also an adjunct instructor at a Michigan college, she may be reached at clpd21@yahoo.com. LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com FOR THOSE WHO SERVE ACTIVE OR RETIRED LE OFFICERS s FIRST RESPONDERS s ACTIVE DUTY OR RETIRED MILITARY s ACTIVE RESERVISTS OR NATIONAL GUARD SIG SAUER® would like to thank you for your dedication and service by offering two special purchase programs for SIG SAUER firearms. INDIVIDUAL OFFICER PURCHASE PROGRAM There are two ways to save – by purchasing through your agency or through an authorized dealer near you. COMMEMORATIVE PURCHASE PROGRAM Receive a special discounted price and free custom engraving. Minimum order of 25 pistols (same model & caliber). Included with each pistol are three magazines, SIGLITE® Night Sights, gun lock, and manual. The program also offers savings on tactical rifles in minimum quantities starting at 15. For complete information, contact: Officer Purchase Program: Email: publicsafetysales@sigsauer.com Commemorative Program: Email: commemorativesales@sigsauer.com Phone: (603) 418-8190 Fax: (603) 772-1481 Click on EInfo at - www.lawandordermag.com reader service #37 www.lawandordermag.com 73 when it counts ™