Impact of organisational injustice on health and wellbeing of female police: A meta-ethnography

Abstract Background Female police officers face more bias, discriminatory treatment, and insufficient support compared to male officers, resulting in poorer health outcomes. This meta-ethnographic review investigates beyond individual responsibilities to explore the dimensions of policing, and their effects on the health and well-being of female police officers. Methods The study reviewed qualitative and mixed-method studies (2000-2022) on the health and well-being of female police officers. Ten databases were searched using keywords related to health, well-being, women, police, and qualitative study. Twenty-one papers were synthesised, analysed, and interpreted using a seven-phase inductive and interpretative meta-ethnographic approach. Results The data analysis unveiled a distinct outcome, indicating a strong correlation and significant impact of organisational injustice on the health and well-being of women in law enforcement. Our research findings imply that organisational injustice, including procedural, relational, distributive, and gendered injustice, notably affects the health and well-being of female officers, with mental health being frequently cited, followed by effects on social, workplace, and physical health. Furthermore, the consequences of these four types of organisational injustice, alongside related cultural, systemic, and structural risk factors, reach beyond the immediate health and well-being of individual female officers. They also hinder various aspects of their professional lives, such as career advancement and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, potentially exacerbating long-term health and well-being issues. Conclusions This review emphasizes addressing organisational injustice and related cultural, systemic, and structural determinants in policing for healthier work environments for female officers. Policy makers must scrutinize gender-neutral policies affecting women, enabling transformative action for safer, supportive, and healthier workplaces. Key messages • Organisational injustice in various forms, significantly impact health and wellbeing of female police officers, necessitating policy reforms. • Addressing organisational injustice embedded in seemingly gender-neutral policies and practices, is vital for ensuring equitable treatment and health promotion of female police officers.