The Survey - July 13, 1924

The Policewoman
by Clara Burnside
The conference of the International Association of Policewomen held in Providence, on June 21 and 22, proved that policewomen had reached a significant place in the field of social work. Speakers discussed the work of the policewoman in cooperation with the probation department; corrective measures and the policewoman's method of dealing with them; the policewoman's method of dealing with them; the policewoman's contribution to child welfare; prostitution and the American plan against it; the value of mental tests and the feeble minded sex offender.

The following ideas were developed: A more complete organization through state representatives; a definite field of protective work; a working basis for harmonious cooperation with all branches of the police department; a realization that the policewoman is an integral part of the police department and must possess all the pride int he department, all the understanding, appreciation and diplomacy necessary to a successful whole; a working basis for cooperation with other social agencies, with the mutual benefit to be derived therefrom; a definite plan for cooperation with probation officers, who assume responsibility for cases after they have been presented to the court and their history given in writing.

There was gained from the conference a higher idea of protective work, a broader concept of the sex problem and of mental deficiency and juvenile delinquency.