Exploring beliefs around low rates of female participation in Canadian police emergency response teams

Abstract

We present findings from an exploratory study on women’s participation in Emergency Response Teams (ERT). Our findings are based on a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions in a survey of ERT units ( n = 30) across Canada. We find women rarely apply for positions on ERT. While respondent answers cite many of the usual barriers—from “lack of interest” to “physical fitness standards”—our interpretation of these themes suggests that appraisals of the requirements to attain and retain these positions may lead potential women applicants to conclude the requirements are too steep, or too biased in favor of men.