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First published on November 8, 2007, doi:10.1177/0306624X07307782
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology 2008;52:474.
A more recent version of this article appeared on August 1, 2008
© 2007 SAGE Publications
Women in Parole: Respect and Rapport
Connie Ireland*
and
Bruce Berg
California State University, Long Beach
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: cireland{at}csulb.edu.
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Abstract |
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Although the number of females in law enforcement has increased in recent years, research suggests that the uniquely gendered contributions of females are minimized in favor of traditional modes of law enforcement, emphasizing physical presence, authoritative commands, and demonstrative control. This research examines women in parole, using in-depth interviews with a small convenience sample of female parole agents in California. Participants discussed their experiences as parole agents from the perspective of women in a predominantly male occupation. Overwhelmingly, they emphasized traditionally associated female traits of intuition, verbal communication, and relationships, over physical tactics. Participants emphasized the importance of building respect and rapport with parolees in multiple contexts, including in the parolees’ homes, with the families of parolees, and at parolees’ places of employment. Participants suggested that this approach ensures their personal safety and enhances parolee compliance, especially when considering their subjective account of experiences by male parole agents.
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