Date of Award

12-9-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

College of Education, Doctoral Program

First Advisor

Sonia Soltero

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand and analyze themes and patterns shared among the lived experiences of 12 female Latina Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) in male-dominated police departments in the Midwest (Illinois and Minnesota). The researcher chose to adopt a basic interpretive qualitative research methodology for this study because it provides a flexible and useful research tool, and provided a broader approach to interpreting meaning from rich and detailed data, yet complex, and account of semi-structured interviews that served as a data collection instrument. This study was guided by the theoretical framework of Kanter’s research on tokenism suggesting that the problems tokens face decrease or diminish as their numbers increase above 15%. An intersectionality approach was used focusing on being a woman, being Latina, and being in LE. This provided a more accurate assessment of the experiences of women, especially women of color. This dissertation sought to answer the following research questions: What stories could Latina LEOs share regarding retaining their identities as Latinas while crossing the narrow bridge to promotion? What barriers/factors (institutional, social networks, individual) were overcome to account for their success as Latina LEOs in a Midwest Police Department? Using a thematic analysis provided key findings which revealed and expanded research on tokenism in LE illustrating how common experiences of tokenism appear in female Latina LEOs. More broadly, the findings suggest that theoretical factors related to tokenism, visibility, contrast and assimilation all had a substantial impact on women, including that the participants used strength and resilience to endure the challenges they encountered to be successful. Part of their strength was facing the challenges and opportunities as female Latina LEOs, which included being misread by male LEOs and earning their position, trust, and voice. By uncovering Latina LEOs perception and experiences in LE, this dissertation provided timely insight and to advance and enhance diversity and practices of LE departments to better reflect the communities. Keywords: Tokenism Theory, Women in LE, Latina Police Officer, LE Academy, LE Recruit, Retention, Probationary Police Officer, Field Training Officer.

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