Gender Inequality in the Criminal Justice System

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Gender Inequality in the Criminal Justice System Women have come a long way since the 50’s and 60’s. They have stepped outside of the kitchen and into the workforce. Even though it is very common to be operated on or pulled over for doing 60 in a 45 by a woman, it is not uncommon for women to be treated differently than men. I will be exploring how it was for women to dip their toes into the criminal justice pool, and also how things have not only grown for them, but for how they continue to stay the same in a way. In the article, “Women hit the glass ceiling in Criminal Justice System,” Rachel Rothwell says, “Today women make up almost 12 percent of all law enforcement positions.”(www.fawcettsociety.org) “Over half of that 12 percent are part of the top commanding positions; however, nearly 70 percent of all department agencies do not place women in their top positions.” Most departments feel that if a woman is in charge then drastic decisions will be made all of the time. Or that their mood swings, or time of the month will be result of wrong decision making. Although, men do not seem to study their own actions and decision making and realize how radical they can be, they still must be better for the job. Or so they think. The first official policewoman joined the LAPD in 1910. That was a huge stepping stone for the female gender. Even though her tasks were short and sweet, it still gave women hope. Ladies were allowed to work with women and children inside the office, however, not outside of the office. After WWII things obviously had to change. Men were on short supply and it was time for the women population to step up to the plate. They started carrying guns on them and patrolling the streets. Woman began doing traffic stops and stepping outside of the office role more. Even though women have broke through that wall of inequality we
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