Policewomen Who Made History: Breaking Through the Ranks

Robert Snow has done an excellent job of chronicling the history of women in law enforcement. But beyond that, he has accurately portrayed the challenges faced as women confront discriminatory agility tests, interview boards and the attitude of some men in law enforcement. This is a must read for political leaders, educators, police chiefs and women who aspire to these careers.--Penny Harrington, chief of police, first female chief of police of a major city (Portland)
This straightforward, informative, and well documented history of women pioneers in law enforcement recaps the abiding spirit of women who recognized the barriers inherent to women in policing, prepared themselves to address those challenges, and worked diligently to achieve their goals. Although tremendous progress has been made over the past decades, we must continue to bear in mind the past sacrifices and successes of those who blazed this trail--Karin Montejo, 28-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, currently the Division Chief for the Administration and Technology Division, Ph.D., 28-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, currently the Division Chief for the Administration and Technology Division
In this straightforward study, retired police officer Snow delves into the history of American women in policing. From the days of "prison matrons" to the first female team deployed in a patrol car (in Indianapolis, where Snow served as well), the battle to break the blue ceiling is patiently recorded. The number of interviews and statistics (all thoroughly sourced with extensive end notes) is impressive, and Snow nicely blends numbers and personal stories to keep the narrative lively. He writes evenhandedly about sexism and discrimination, and handles detail with notable briskness. Some of the more compelling subjects he delves into are specific physical differences between men and women and what they mean when it comes to getting the job done (readers will be surprised) and the strain policing places on relationships for both genders. Readers should not expect thrilling accounts of chases and captures; instead this is an exceedingly professional look at an important aspect of our social history.-- (05/01/2010)
This concise, straightforward, and informative book about women in law enforcement focuses on the history of policewomen and the barriers that confronted them and continue to present obstacles to women entering policing and staying in it as a career. Such things as discriminatory pre-employment agility exams and sexual harassment remain significant roadblocks on far too many police agencies. Snow is a retired captain from the Indianapolis Police Department, and the focus of some of the book is on the IPD, which in 1968 was the first police department in the world to deploy two policewomen on street patrol. Snow shows the significant progress that policewomen have made since then, but also notes that there is a way to go before there is true gender equality in policing. Chapter 8, "Strain on Relationships," is quite good....A valuable resource that examines the many issues of women in policing. Summing Up: Recommended. General and undergraduate collections.--CHOICE
In Policewomen Who Made History: Breaking through the Ranks, former police officer Robert Snow covers the history of women in law enforcement. He includes the testimony of some of the first female cops who sought to contribute to their communities and prove that women were just as capable as men. These firsthand accounts as well as Snow's own personal experiences gives readers insight into just how hard it was for women to gain acceptance and respect in a largely male dominated profession....The book was not only informational but also surprisingly entertaining and inspirational. The author does a good job of showing the reader just how far female officers have come. It is really almost laughable now to think that not long ago female cops actually had to wear skirts, heels, and carry their guns in a purse while on the job. This book will prove to any reader that women should never be underestimated and can handle even the most dangerous and physically demanding jobs....Reading this book has shown me that the key to overcoming stereotypes is not done by screaming the loudest but through hard work and determination. Any reader could find something to gain in reading this book.--Women In Libraries
Snow does a masterful job of explaining policing in that era and using Coffal and Campbell's experience to demonstrate the profound changes women would make in the profession over time.--Feminist Collections: A Quarterly Of Women's Studies Resources