The Unique Problems Women Police Officers Face - Retired Captain Marian Bass

Today a candid article, published in Opinion news journal, on the stressful lives of women police officers caught my eye . Captain Maria Bass' opinion on women police and the law enforcement system revealed the real problems of women police and why it is difficult for women cops to deal with strenuous situations. Captain Marian Bass is a retired Captain of the Buffalo Police Department and was Buffalo's first permanent, minority woman officer. She was the first woman Lieutenant and Captain of Police in Buffalo. She is the only woman in Western New York who is certified as a candidate for Inspector of Police. Inspector of Police is the highest civil service rank in the law enforcement system. She is the only woman in Western New York to have commanded a police division.

One common problem she addressed was women officers being unable to balance their personal and professional lives. The job of police officers is filled with risks and physical dangers. Dealing with irate people and criminals everyday do affect the quality of life. Facing anger from those arrested, their family members and supervisors become an undeniable part of their life. On-the-spot decision-making is an important part of their duty which can have both positive and negative impact after the execution. Managing workplace relationship, especially a department that is male dominated is not an easy task.

At home a woman officer is expected to be a good wife and mother. This expectation adds to their stress. The work place pressures are unique. Marian Bass said “Some women officers did not favor a female commander, some felt guilty about their absence from home and several complained of physical ailments. In some cases, domestic difficulties, partner conflicts and street dynamics caused anger and depression.” She further said “If a supervisor has poor leadership skills and creates an environment that is intimidating or discriminatory, that may well generate unsatisfactory workplace relationships, low morale and less productive man hours.”

These tensions and struggles impact their domestic lives leading to family disputes and divorce issues. Most women officers, unlike the television serials are not given very challenging tasks. Marian Bass said “I cannot imagine any woman officer being given an assignment to track international jewel thieves or continent- hopping drug dealers. What is real is providing support services to a savagely beaten rape victim, reporting a traumatic case of child abuse, trying to convince a runaway teen of her limited options or bridging cultural barriers to provide critical services to citizens who desperately need help, but feel threatened by police.”

Product liability attorneys said “With changing times we can see many employee assistance programs that include treating depressions and other psychological problems. Women police are taking advantage of these programs.” Atlantic City workers compensation lawyers said “I think it is an over expectation from a women officer to be at her best at home and at workplace all the time.”