Critical Analysis of a Dissertation: Women in Law Enforcement

Introduction 

This paper will attempt to analyze the dissertation of a student of Pepperdine University who chose to write a dissertation on the topic of Women in Law Enforcement: their Role as Perceived by the Women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (Ames, 1997). This analysis will cover the format and construction of the dissertation and comments as a reader with hopes to gain insight as a guide and study for the preparation of a future dissertation. 

Statement of the Problem 

The author states the initial issue is as an awareness of the low percentage of women in law enforcement focusing specifically on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The goal is also in hopes of having participants to suggest a plan of action to increase the numbers of women in the department. Statistics are given for past representation of women, and theories suggesting women's' roles in this field. The author has narrowed his scope of focus on one agency, that being the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, thereby providing the opportunity to create an in-depth study, while at the same time narrow the focus of the study where it is not too broad, yet somewhat specific. This was done effectively as there are several agencies as well as local police departments that the public may not be aware of due to misrepresentation by the media. 

Statement of the Purpose