Date of Graduation

12-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College/School

School of Education

Department

Leadership Studies

Program

International & Multicultural Education EdD

First Advisor

Patricia Mitchell

Second Advisor

Walter Gmelch

Third Advisor

Richard Johnson

Abstract

Black female officers are an underrepresented sub-group of the law-enforcement profession. The bulk of research on women’s policing has focused on the growth of women in law enforcement, barriers, sexual harassment, gender differences, why women are deterred from law enforcement, physical limitations, and instruments used during the recruitment process, and the stress endured after entry into the profession. When looking at Black female officers’ lived experience and perceptions around mentoring; research is lacking. Eight Black female officers from the San Francisco Bay Area participated in this study. Findings revealed that all of the women have faced a recurring sense of discrimination, based on their gender. Many participants also suggested a culture in which women are viewed as less capable and, are, at times, less valued. This study contributes to the literature by presenting Black female officers’ concerns, values, and experiences in the profession of law enforcement. These findings may also help shape policy, procedures, and recruitment tactics aimed at the retention and success of Black female law-enforcement officers.

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