Interesting article based on the theory, according to some experts, that policewomen often view their work as a public service, while policemen approach their task from the perspective of "control through authority." An article I think we should try and learn lessons from. In my view it has nothing to do with gender as both are more than capable of handling this job. What it does come down to is training, not only skills, but attributes and ethics that in the end guide us in how deal with moral, mental and physical spheres of conflict and violence. 

Maybe the micro experiences of  life in policewomen makes them more attuned to the moral and mental aspects of conflict where policemen focus on the physical aspects. The goal is to have all who do this work understand and be able to apply all dimensions of conflict so we are always in the position to win.

Something interesting in this article we will have to expand upon.  The moral, mental and physical aspects of conflict combined with attributes and skills of police officers to achieve peaceful outcomes through the de-escalation of conflict and violence.

Stay Oriented!

Fred 

London - After months of taking a beating over allegations of heavy-handedness, Britain's largest police force is trying a new tack: handing women commanders the reins.

In a bid to maintain control of a potentially explosive situation, the Metropolitan Police Service is taking a "softly, softly" approach this week as environmental campaigners undertake five days of action against targets ranging from government buildings to the offices of multinational mining firm Rio Tinto.

The hope is for an outcome sharply different from that of London's Group of 20 conference in April. Scotland Yard's reputation took a hit after sharp clashes between hundreds of riot police and protesters – many of whom accused the police of unprovoked attacks – resulted in the death of a newspaper vendor who was simply trying to make his way home.

The move is based on the theory, according to some experts, that policewomen often view their work as a public service, while policemen approach their task from the perspective of "control through authority."

But beyond repairing policing's image, the handling of the event by the two women is also regarded as a landmark moment for women's progression in policing.

"Until relatively recently, we simply did not have enough women at higher ranks to be able to make a judgment about their leadership at these types of very high profile events, so this is relatively unusual," said Jennifer Brown, a professor at Britain's Surrey University who has closely researched gender issues in policing in Britain, where 25 percent of police officers are women, and elsewhere.

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