Arecent survey of the largest state and local law enforcement agencies conducted by the National Center for Women and Policing found that fewer than 12% of sworn officers nationwide are women, and less than 4% are minority women. "Studies have shown that women police officers have fewer excessive-use-of-force complaints against them, and are better at dealing with domestic violence situations," said Penny Harrington, Director of the National Center for Women and Policing, sponsored by the Feminist Majority Foundation. "The underrepresentation of women is undermining effective law enforcement."

Of the agencies who responded to the survey, the Philadelphia police department has the largest percent of women police officers -- 22%. The Oakland, CA police department has the largest percentage -- 25% -- of women in top command. And the Miami police department has the largest percentage of minority women police officers -- 14%. All three police departments are under court-ordered "consent decrees" that require them to hire more women.

On average nationwide, women make up 7% of top command positions, including chiefs, colonels, commanders, majors, and captains. Women fill 8.4% of supervisory positions, which includes lieutenants and sergeants.