In January 2017, Force International’s founder, Jane Townsley, was awarded a Master of Science Degree with merit from the Department of Criminology, University of Leicester in Security, Conflict & International Development. She achieved a mark of distinction for her research dissertation, entitled, “How Does the implementation of gender responsive policing (GRP) as part of security sector reform (SSR) impact on women officers, the police institution and local communities: a case study of Albania and the broader Balkans region?”

Research Abstract: For policing to be representative of communities there needs to be a recognition of the different needs of women and girls, men and boys, whether they are victims, witnesses or suspects or, employed within police institutions. This study explores Gender Responsive Policing (GRP) reform and its impact on women officers, police institutions and communities they serve.

A Qualitative case study approach is used to explore the impact of GRP initiatives in both Albania and Kosovo as well as a brief examination of the situation for women officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide an understanding of what, if any, particular issues there are for implementing GRP within post-conflict and conflict-affected countries of the Balkans. The perceptions and experiences of women officers themselves are explored as well as those of Security Sector Reform (SSR) experts working within the Balkans and men and women from the Albanian community. This enables the study gain a real insight into the challenges faced by women officers and how they are endeavouring to overcome them.

A number of key findings are evidenced by the study: the importance and power of role models both for women in the police and women and girls within communities; the need for more women in high-level decision-making positions if long term systemic change in policing is to be realised; how women police associations influence positive change in support of GRP; and the strong relationship between the status of women in police and the status of women in society.

Jane will be presenting her research findings at the International Women in Law Enforcement Conference/International Association of Women Police Conference in Cairns, Australia on 18th September 2017. For more information and to register for the conference visit http://2017iwlec.com.au

Feedback from University: This dissertation investigates Gender Responsive Policing (GRP) reform and its impact on women officers, police institutions and the communities they serve. Jane uses a qualitative case study approach to explore the impact of GRP initiatives in conflict-affected countries in the Balkans, namely Albania and Kosovo as well as a brief assessment of the situation for women officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Jane’s research results in a number of significant findings, which have policy relevance and significant potential impact. Chief among these findings are the importance of role models, the need to engage more women in senior decision-making roles, and the value of women police associations, all of which positively impact GRP. Jane’s research also highlights the significant relationship between the status of women in police organisations and the status of women in society. This is a unique piece of work in terms of its findings, the qualitative methodological approach, and the researcher’s own high level experience in this field. All of these factors lend the research weight and warrant considering publishing in order that the findings reach a wider audience and, thereby, have the potential to achieve impact in policy and practice.

This dissertation demonstrates Jane’s in depth knowledge of and commitment to Gender Responsive Policing (GRP) and police reform in conflict-affected environments. It also demonstrates Jane’s impressive writing, research and analytical skills. Jane has the ability to engage at an advanced level in social science research. Above all else, she has the ability to analyse complex social problems and propose viable and persuasive solutions. The final piece of work is very strong and warrants publication to reach a wider audience.