Policewomen Who Made History

May 15, 2010
In this straightforward study, retired police officer Snow delves into the history of American women in policing. From the days of prison matrons to the first female team deployed in a patrol car (in Indianapolis, where Snow served as well), the battle to break the blue ceiling is patiently recorded. The number of interviews and statistics (all thoroughly sourced with extensive end notes) is impressive, and Snow nicely blends numbers and personal stories to keep the narrative lively. He writes evenhandedly about sexism and discrimination, and handles detail with notable briskness. Some of the more compelling subjects he delves into are specific physical differences between men and women and what they mean when it comes to getting the job done (readers will be surprised) and the strain policing places on relationships for both genders. Readers should not expect thrilling accounts of chases and captures; instead this is an exceedingly professional look at an important aspect of our social history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)