Investigating Sexism and Gender in Policing
Investigating Sexism and Gender in Policing
During the course of its investigation, the Independent Commission examined numerous documents relating to accusations within the LAPD of discrimination based on sex and gender. An interview with a lesbian officer who worked in multiple precinct offices, anonymously referred to as Officer H, described a hostile work environment that she strongly believed was tied to her sexual orientation. Officer H experienced repeated instances of discriminatory treatment that stifled her career advancement. She also witnessed hostile behavior among her fellow officers toward the gay and lesbian populations with whom they interacted.The commission designated one law firm, Graham & Jones, to investigate the role of gender in policing in order to solicit ideas from experts about the potential differences in policing styles and outcomes among male and female officers, especially in regard to use of force. Graham & Jones’ final report included studies and testimonies citing the general effectiveness of women officers in handling confrontational situations without resorting to use of excessive force, yet also noted the relatively small number of women who served in the police force and the challenges faced by those women who did (1 & 2 below). A table (3 & 4 below) derived from LAPD Personnel Department statistics cited in the testimony of Katherine Spillar, national coordinator of the Fund for the Feminist Majority, illustrates how few women, as well as people of color, served in the LAPD as of March 1991, and how these minority groups were largely relegated to lower-level positions.
