Crossing the Threshold: Organizational and Community Correlates of Female and Minority Representation Among U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies

Abstract

The current research explores relationships between female and minority officer representation and elements of organizational structure, practices, and context (internal and external). These relationships are viewed through the lenses of representative bureaucracy and structural contingency theory. Employing LEMAS (2016) survey and ACS (2011–2015) data, a series of OLS regression models explored these relationships. Findings suggest diversity breeds diversity in law enforcement agencies. Organizational structure continues to influence female and minority officers throughout their careers. Structural elements of both complexity and control were related to officer representation at all three career points, as were organizational practices. Finally, relationships related to internal context demonstrated greater consistency than external, although external context was related to overall representation. Relationships between structure, practices, and context varied for females and minorities, suggesting a greater need for unique recruitment and retention strategies for these officers.