Gender, Sexuality and the Law: Policing

Policing is a fundamental aspect of any social order and is deeply embedded in communities. It impacts individuals within society and is, in turn, shaped by broader social dynamics. Historically, policing worldwide has encountered numerous challenges, with contemporary issues requiring reform and improvement. In Western societies, gender – and more recently, sexuality – has become central to policing research over the past century. This entry examines the intersections between gender, sexuality, law and law enforcement. It explores key topics, including women in policing, the impact of gender on police and police operations, gender-based police sexual misconduct, and LGBTIQ+ diversity in policing. Drawing on seminal and recent studies, it highlights how policing evolves in response to socio-political shifts and legal reforms, while grappling with persistent stereotypical beliefs and entrenched heterosexual, masculinistic and homophobic police subcultures in Western contexts and beyond. The entry acknowledges ongoing efforts to cultivate equal, diverse and inclusive policing environments.