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Gender discrimination and regulatory behaviour: an exploratory study in policing
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Gender discrimination and regulatory behaviour: an exploratory study in policing

Timothy Prenzler
International Journal of Police Science & Management, Vol.6(3), pp.171-182
2004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1350/ijps.6.3.171.39134
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https://doi.org/10.1350/ijps.6.3.171.39134View
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Abstract

Criminology Policy and Administration police departments gender discrimination equity antidiscrimination Australia
This paper examines the relationship between police departments and equity agencies in Australia. Previous research has shown marked differences in the performance of police in fulfilling the requirements of equity legislation. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with antidiscrimination and affirmative action legislation rests with equity agencies - which 'police the police'. The paper reports the results from a survey of these agencies to obtain their accounts of factors facilitating or hindering police compliance. These factors are framed in terms of agency powers, resources, regulatory strategies and police responses. The study found that regulatory agencies were highly detached from police departments and that differences in compliance were largely the result offactors independent of regulatory action. A 'culture of under-enforcement' remained as the most likely explanation for regulatory failure. The paper concludes by emphasising the need for more active monitoring and a more confrontational approach to under-achieving departments.

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