Women have historically been the minority among U.S. law enforcement officers. That number is growing, however, and leading to significant advantages in communities. As of 2017, 16% of federal law enforcement officers were women. associate degree in criminal justice online programs are making it easier and more convenient for women to pursue effective training.
A recent study by the National Center for Women and Policing revealed 4 key factors that make women successful in the law enforcement field:
- Female officers with associate degree in criminal justice online credentials handle incidences of violence against women more effectively than male officers. Violence against women accounts for about half of all violent crime calls to police.
- Women officers with associate degree in criminal justice online credentials are not as likely as male officers to use excessive force when dealing with situations. Studies have shown that physical strength is not a predictor of either general police effectiveness or the ability to appropriately respond to dangerous situations.
- Female officers with associate degree in criminal justice online credentials are proponents of “community-oriented policing.” They tend to encourage communication and cooperation and utilize informal problem solving.
- Women officers with associate degree in criminal justice online credentials help to decrease the occurrence of sexual discrimination and harassment. Their mere presence helps to diffuse negative gender-biased cultures within law enforcement agencies.
The success of women as law enforcement officers is changing the way policing is practiced in the U.S. and internationally. Aspiring police officers can take the first step towards a career in law enforcement by earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice online. More details about the program are available by searching Criminal Justice degree schools.
For more information on careers and degrees in criminal justice, prospective students are encouraged to visit College-Pages.com, the leading education and career resource website.
