Navigating Entry: The Role of Exposure and Career Fit Negotiation in Women’s Pathways to Policing in the United States

Women’s engagement in policing in the United States and other countries has not reached its potential. We interviewed 47 women in law enforcement to learn about their pathways into policing. Two primary themes emerged: career discovery through exposure and negotiating career fit. Exposure through interactions with role models, hands-on experiences, and media portrayals, provided a peek into policing. The assessment and negotiation of career “fit” in our study was an ongoing, dynamic process. As participants faced questions about their own characteristics, values, and belonging, exposure in the form of role models and experiences helped them navigate career fit concerns. Implications for practice highlight the need for policing organizations to create meaningful connections with potential candidates and help them align policing careers with diverse aspirations, values, and personal circumstances. Finally, a continued focus on cultural and structural changes is needed to accept and support diverse integration.