Breaking the Brass Ceiling Women Police Chiefs and Their Paths to the Top

Subjects:

• Crime & Justice » Crimes & Investigation
• Women's Studies » Women's Studies (General)
• Women's Studies » Women in Business & Labor
• Political Science » Political Science (General)

Reviews:

• Schulz has written a readable, straightforward book about female police chief executives. The subject is the changing role of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of law enforcement, and the book includes numerous biographical sketches of women who have risen to the top in the challenging world of policing. Schulz notes that it is only in the last two decades that women have moved into the top ranks of police management, whether as municipal police chiefs, county sheriffs, or colonels in state police agencies. Currently about 1 percent (200 or so) of the chiefs and sheriffs are women--unique trailblazers who have managed to break the "brass ceiling." Schulz clearly predicts that other women will inevitably follow in their footsteps. This well-written, well-researched book should be read by anyone interested in the changing face of policing in the US. Recommended. All levels/libraries.
  —Choice September 2005
• Breaking the Brass Ceiling is a long overdue documentary of 30 years of strife for women in law enforcement. It does an admirable job in two main areas. First, it superbly presents minibiographes on the most pioneering and influential women in policing and, second, it deliversa thorough primer on American law enforcement organizations, using an interesting and easily readable style. The insight and experience of the author, Dorothy Schulz, adds to the interpretation of data gathered through questionaires and interviews.
  This work should be a must-read for women and men entering law enforcement today. It provides a unique historical context within which to educate readers about the complexities of policing in the United States and rare insights into the lives of succesful women pioneers. This is a rare glimpse into the heads of chiefs across the nation, from whom we can all learn.
  —Law Enforcement News May 2005

• Endorsement From Thomas N. Faust,
  Executive Director
  National Sheriffs' Association: An excellent book on women breaking the historical barriers in reaching the highest executive levels of law enforcement.
• Endorsement From Mary Ann Viverette,
  Chief of Police, Gaithersburg, MD
  Vice-President International Association of Chiefs of Police: This book is a wonderfully written compilation of personal histories of women in law enforcement careers....Dr. Schulz has written a book that will be interesting to everyone...
• Endorsement From Gwen M. Boniface,
  Commissioner
  Ontario Provincial Police: This book captures rare and unique career paths for women. It speaks to great determination and accomplishment. A tribute to the women and their lives!

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction: A Note on Method and Scope
• How It All Began: What is a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This?
• Women in Non-Traditional Professions: Law Enforcement Is Big Business
• The Road to the Chief's Chair: Early Trailblazers and the Long Climb to the Top
• Twists and Turns in the Road to the Top: Decisions and Detours Along the Way
• One-Agency Chiefs: Local Girls Break Brass at Home
• Family Power Brings Political Power: From Sheriff's Wife to Sheriff
• Modern Women Sheriffs: Getting Elected On Their Own
• Big-City Pioneers: The Women Who Broke the Bulletproof Barriers
• Twenty-First Century Women: Is the Playing Field Finally Level?
• Women Police Chiefs and Sheriffs: A Collective Portrait
• Epilogue
• Bibliography
• Index