Study: Law enforcement lags in female hires

Erica Johnson

Thursday, June 14, 2001 | 10:35 a.m.

A national study shows law enforcement agencies are falling behind when it comes to hiring female officers.

Tammie Jackson, the Nevada Highway Patrol's first female motorcycle trooper in Las Vegas, would rather not let that stat ride.

"You do run into individuals who don't feel like a woman belongs in a position like mine, and you just have to deal with it," said Jackson, who became a motorcycle trooper two weeks ago. "But, overall, I get the respect I deserve."

The Status of Women in Policing Survey, conducted by the National Center for Women and Policing, examined 349 state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies nationwide. Those who administered the study concluded that, considering the current rate of population growth, it would be another 70 years until women and men are equally represented in law enforcement.

Jackson, 34, is one of two female motorcycle troopers in Nevada. According to the study, women represent 13 percent of all sworn law enforcement officers. Women comprised 9 percent of the law enforcement workforce 11 years ago.

The study was conducted one year ago. At that time, 24 of the NHP's 429 officers were women and none was in a top command position. Of the NHP's 420 officers, 20 positions currently are held by women. Two of those women are sergeants, although neither works in Las Vegas.

Trooper Allen Davidson, an NHP spokesman, said Jackson was the first Las Vegas female trooper to apply for a motorcycle position.

"I think the reason not a lot of women have applied to be motorcycle troopers is simple," Davidson said. "The motorcycle is a big, heavy bike that weighs almost 750 pounds. So, while every trooper is capable and trained enough, most of the women with the NHP are very small. They are not big enough or strong enough to hold the bike up."

Jackson, who owned a sports bike, said she expressed an interest in becoming a motorcycle trooper when she felt she was becoming too comfortable in her patrol car.

She applied and completed a three-week course, taught by Metro and Henderson Police officers.

Jackson, who is 5-5, 140 pounds, said she has no problems handling the bike, but at times she feels vulnerable as a woman trooper. "But I try to use it as an advantage," said Jackson, who joined the NHP in 1994 after serving two years in the Air Force. "If I have a 6-2, 200 pound man being aggressive toward me, I (have a right to) increase my use of force."

Candidates for the NHP must be 21, U.S. citizens, possess a high school diploma or GED, have two years of military or public contact experience and be in excellent health.

Those who meet the minimum requirements complete a selection process that includes a written test, physical ability test, pre-hiring interview, background investigation, written psychological test, polygraph exam, medical exam and drug test. Candidates then move to the NHP Academy in Carson City, which lasts about five months.

Jackson said she puts more than 100 miles on her NHP Kawasaki each day. She said the freedom and maneuverability that comes with riding the bike is the best part of her job.

The worst part, said Jackson, is the summer heat, which can prove unbearable in her uniform -- wool motorcycle pants, a wool and polyester shirt, knee-high leather motorcycle boots, leather gloves, a bullet-proof vest and a helmet.

Jackson said she hopes her presence will encourage more women to become motorcycle troopers. She said she would recommend her job to others, but said women in law enforcement must recognize their capabilities and limitations.

" As a woman trooper, I know my strengths and my weaknesses," Jackson said. "It's all about decision-making. The key rule is to make it home every night."