Locked Out: Gender Bias in Specialist Tactical and Firearms Policing and Its Impact on Inclusion

This thesis explores the underrepresentation of women in specialist policing roles, focusing on specialist tactical and firearms roles. The research, conducted in collaboration with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, explores how gender shapes the culture within specialist tactical and firearms roles in policing and examines its impact on inclusion. The study employs a mixed methods approach, combining Q methodology and interviews. The first study uses Q methodology to capture shared viewpoints of the ‘ideal’ worker, revealing different shared viewpoints on the characteristics that define the ‘ideal’ officer. Four Q-sort factors were extracted from the data: the competent and knowledgeable officer, the dependable and loyal officer, the innovative team player, and the knowledgeable team player. The second study uses semi-structured interviews to examine how gender influences discourses and the impact on inclusion. The analysis and discussion explore the discourses participants draw upon, revealing themes such as the perception that the ‘ideal’ TSG (Tactical Support Group) officer is male, defines themselves by their role in TSG, and exhibits high commitment and dedication. It examines how these discourses are influenced by gender, highlighting the display of masculinity, gendered discourse, and instances of subtle sexism. It then investigates the impact of these gendered discourses on inclusion within the TSG, discussing challenges such as the forced adaptation to team norms, the creation of in-groups versus out-groups, and divisive discourses that hinder inclusivity. The research offers insights into the cultural dynamics in specialist tactical and firearms roles and suggests ways to create a more inclusive environment.