A comparative minority: Female recruits to a British constabulary force

The article examines the place of women constables in a British constabulary force, with particular reference to a comparison of male and female police recruits’ views on the suitability of women for police work. The article is empirically‐based, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data from a study of police recruit training and socialisation to the occupation. In light of the similarities and differences in male and female occupational attitudes, and the key emphasis on physical strength, there is a discussion speculating on the latent potential for radical change in the delivery of routine police service.