While isolated incidents of female officers struggling physically with suspects may occur, research and data overwhelmingly support the value of women in policing.

Female officers consistently demonstrate better de-escalation skills and use force than male counterparts according to federal studies. They generate and face , saving cities millions in legal costs. This aligns with what communities want – officers who solve problems without violence.

Physical strength tests based on male standards (like bench pressing) unfairly disadvantage female recruits despite police work requiring far more verbal skills than brute force. Departments using job-specific fitness standards (obstacle courses simulating real tasks) see without sacrificing operational effectiveness.

The real issue isn’t women’s capabilities but outdated police training that overemphasizes physical dominance. Agencies employing more female officers report for domestic violence and sexual assault cases, as victims often feel safer speaking to women.

Rather than questioning women’s role in policing, we should reform hiring practices to value crisis negotiation and community trust-building – areas where female officers excel. Two officers (regardless of gender) failing to subdue a suspect often indicates poor tactics or training, not inherent inadequacy.