Wanted: U.S. Policewomen for Overseas Missions

Purpose: While most stakeholders acknowledge the need to increase the number of women police officers in overseas peace missions, few women apply. As of April 2007, the US has contributed nearly 800 officers to U.S. and United Nations-led police missions around the world. Less than 5 percent are women. 

In an effort to increase the recruitment of US policewomen, Inclusive Security, in partnership with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the US Department of State and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, convened a consultation on June 20, 2007 in Washington, DC

Consultation: Female officers currently serving in Liberia and Afghanistan joined leaders of the National Center on Women and Policing, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the International Association of Women Police, private contractors and others to improve incentives for women applicants, facilitating their recruitment, and improving outreach. 

"Women officers enhance the internal dynamics and performance of police forces, are more likely to emphasize crime prevention rather than crime control, and are less apt to use excessive force," says Inclusive Security's director, Carla Koppell. "In post-conflict societies where public trust in security forces has been eroded, women police officers can play a critical role in rebuilding confidence and strengthening communities. We must attract women to this arena as it is one of the most fundamental ways to create societies governed by equity and rule of law."

Next Steps: The consultation was the first step in a productive dialogue among INL, its contractors, policewomen, and police agencies. Participants of the consultation will release proposed recommendations in the coming weeks.

Recommendations: Click here for the recommendations from the consultation convened by Inclusive Security and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, with support from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State.