Women Police Officers and Public Trust: Reducing Perceptions of Corruption

Using an online survey experiment of 1105 respondents the source article found people perceive women officers as less likely to engage in corruption, particularly when reminded that they are outsiders to existing networks and more risk averse. Women officers are viewed as more cautious and less willing to take risks associated with nefarious behaviour. They are also viewed as outsiders, lacking the networks or necessary support to effectively engage in corruption. After corruption or scandal, changes in the gender composition of the police force may signal to citizens that the police force is responsive and looking to improve the current climate.