Policewomen and firearms in the British police service

A brief description of the limited arming of British police officers. In England and Wales 6 per cent of officers are authorised to carry firearms and only 2.6 per cent of this total are women. A questionnaire survey conducted in one English force explored the reasons given by men and women officers for volunteering or being disinclined to train for firearms duties. Results showed a higher than expected rate of interest in firearms duties from women police and some resistance by men for women to serve as firearms officers. Women’ limited presence in this specialism is discussed in terms of two competing explanations: motivational or aptitude deficits amongst women officers or occupational cultural inhibitions.