ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the historical and current status of women police in the Western Hemisphere of the world. The countries are examined by region (Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Western Europe) and democracy index (full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes). The recruitment, hiring, integration, and conditions of women police are examined. Similar to the Eastern Hemisphere, there is very little research on women and policing within most countries in the Western Hemisphere. The research reveals that women have little representation in most nations, and police organizations predominantly hold women police to gender-restricted duties. Six commonalities are outlined.
