ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the position of policewomen in some of the countries of Europe and, by taking historical and comparative perspectives, offer a model of the developmental stages of women's progression within the police. It addresses the insights offered by Frances Heidensohn's comparative analysis of American and British policewomen's experience and, by reference to other European countries, to see how well her concepts hold up and what further developments may be offered when applying them to broader international comparisons. The chapter examines how the conceptual themes offered by Heidensohn did prove useful as points of reference to describe similarities and differences between the various countries from which accessible research materials were available. It discusses a number of key stages and identifies precursors that advance, and constraints that appear to inhibit, progress of women within police organizations. The role of the police unions in advancing equality of policewomen is variable.
