More Women Officers Needed

A look at the percentages of women police officers in Orange County’s cities shows there has been little progress integrating the ranks. The cities need to do better. A force in which only 4% of the officers are women, such as Santa Ana’s or Newport Beach’s, needs much more balance.

In the last 11 years, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department went from 13% women to 11%. There are so few women guards at the Central Women’s Jail in Santa Ana that giving an officer a bathroom break requires extra work to ensure that a relief guard is available.

To his credit, Sheriff Mike Carona is trying to increase the number of women on the force. The department is recruiting at colleges and sports clubs, trying to let women know they are welcome to wear the badge.

Irvine in the same period went in the opposite direction, from 7% to 13%. Only Laguna Beach, with 16% of the department women, ranks higher.

Irvine Police Chief Charles Brobeck says the department tries to use its women officers to help recruit others. That’s smart. It’s important to let women know there are role models in police departments.

Many experts believe that women officers on patrol are perceived as less threatening and are better able to defuse confrontations. Many also believe that rape victims find it easier to discuss the crime with women.

Different officers may bring different strengths to the job, but the basic requirements for becoming a cop are the same for men and women. Police departments need to ensure that women know the welcome mat is out and that it’s a good career.