Dr. Brad Myrstol, Justice faculty and director of the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center (AJSAC), was interviewed by KNBA radio reporter Joaqlin Estus about the February 2013 AJSAC Fact Sheet, "State and Local Law Enforcement Personnel in Alaska: 1982 - 2011." He discussed the number of female sworn officers in Alaska and nationwide, and trends in the numbers. Overall, women are underrepresented in law enforcement both in Alaska and in the Lower 48. Since 1982 our state has lagged behind the rest of the country in the number of female sworn police officers.
Dr. Myrstol also highlighted the career opportunities for women in police work and noted that women often outperform their male counterparts in police tasks. Female police officers are especially effective in defusing volatile situations and communicating with individuals in high stress situations.
Click here to listen to the interview which aired March 7, 2013.
