Political conflict, policing and the challenges of masculinity: The experiences of women officers in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC

Policing is regarded as a masculine occupation. Traditionally women officers performed gendered duties, mostly working with women and children whilst men did ‘real’ police work. Policewomen’s roles have broadened considerably, despite being met with patterns of male officer resistance. This article explores the experiences of women officers who served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC during the Northern Ireland conflict. It examines three themes: first, women officers’ views on the suitability of females for police work; second, the idea that women officers possess attributes particularly well suited to certain policing roles; finally, officers’ experiences of working in a masculine environment.