Innovation and transparency in the recruitment of women in Australian Policing

Abstract

This paper reviews developments in gender equity-oriented recruitment policies in Australian policing between 2015 and 2019. Findings cover the six state, one federal and one territory police departments. The study was prompted by media reports on affirmative action initiatives, especially the introduction of recruitment targets. The primary aim was to identify successful or promising strategies to increase the number of female officers, with possible transferable lessons. A secondary aim was to assess the level of accountability in terms of public reporting by police about methods and outcomes. The main finding was that four of the eight departments had introduced explicit 50:50 male-female recruitment targets, and five departments had been operating female targeted recruitment campaigns. The majority of departments with targeted campaigns recorded large increases in female recruit numbers, although within the study time frame only one showed a clear flow-through to substantially increased officer numbers. Overall, there was a lack of adequate data, including male-female application numbers; and information about selection criteria was inadequate. The personal commitment and discretion of police commissioners appeared to be a key factor in the adoption of affirmative action initiatives. These findings provide valuable lessons for improved police performance and accountability in gender equity across the world.