Case Study 3: Women at the Top in Policing: Centering Their Voices Through Grounded Theory and Situational Analysis Methodologies

As we experience the current civil unrest sweeping the United States after the avoidable death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis officer; there is a sense of urgency, and a call for major reform in policing. We now hear the constant refrain that “the time is ripe for change in policing,” with significant attention being paid not only on what police do, but also on who police are. Advocates and researchers alike are now challenging the status quo, looking more closely at what they consider in recruitment, what they value in promotion, and what is essential for fair and effective policing. At a time when there is severe underrepresentation of women and racial and ethnic minorities, there is a mandate for increased diversity. Policing leaders are being asked to lead with dignity and respect, restore legitimacy and accountability, with appeals to recognize the importance of rebuilding trust within the communities they serve. This can only be achieved by changing their way of operation, by changing the way they look and lead, and by encouraging more diversity throughout the rank and file and leadership. This study was designed to probe deeply into the professional lives of women who had made it to top ranks of policing to understand their rise and the systems of power that marked their journeys.