Supporting Women in Law Enforcement: Introducing the Supporting Women COPS Act

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) have introduced the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act, aiming to increase representation of women in law enforcement. The bill seeks to revise biased hiring practices, establish standards for female officer retention and promotion, and incentivize states to adopt these recommendations. Currently, only 12% of police officers are women, a number that has remained largely unchanged for over 25 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supporting Women COPS Act aims to increase representation of women in law enforcement by revising biased hiring practices and establishing standards for female officer retention and promotion.
  • Only 12% of the nation's police officers are women, a number that has remained largely unchanged for over 25 years.
  • Women are often hindered by outdated hiring processes that focus on physical strength and force.
  • Research shows that hiring more women could have a positive effect on police performance, including reduced use of force, increased community trust, and better outcomes for crime victims.
  • The bill establishes a task force on women in law enforcement, requiring it to release a report with recommendations on hiring standards, officer retention, and advancement to leadership roles.
  • The bill incentivizes states to adopt these recommendations by offering an increase in their normal Byrne JAG totals by 5% per year.
  • The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) supports the bill, citing research that shows women in law enforcement are more effective and have positive impacts on communities.

Statistics:

  • Only 12% of the nation's police officers are women.
  • 25 years have passed with little change in the representation of women in law enforcement.
  • Women are 50% more likely to use less force and have fewer discretionary arrests.
  • Communities perceive woman officers as being more honest and compassionate.
  • Female officers achieve better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases.

Sources:

  • Office of North Carolina Rep. Deborah Ross
  • Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01)
  • Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson
  • Kym Craven, Executive Director of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)
  • Bill text available here