Comparing the Workplace Experiences of Male and Female Police Officers: Examining Workplace Problems, Stress, Jobc Satisfaction and Consideration of Career Change

Abstract

This study examines the interrelationships between four workplace problems, namely the need for mentoring programmes, stress, job satisfaction and consideration of making career changes, to determine whether female officers' workplace experiences differ significantly from male officers. Data were collected from a survey of patrol officers employed in a municipal, Midwestern police department. Surveys were completed by 80 per cent of the sworn patrol officers, producing a sample of 87 officers. The analyses show that police officers who perceive a need for a formal mentoring programme reportedly experience higher levels of workplace stress. The findings also indicate that officers with higher stress levels are less satisfied with their jobs. Further, the analyses indicate that female officers experience their workplaces more similarly to, rather than different from, male officers. To decrease workplace stress and improve job satisfaction in this department, administrators must address the lack of mentoring — for both male and female officers.