Answer to Question 1
Answer: The establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1972 suggests that discrimination was still occurring. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 suggests either that Title VII was ineffective with regard to people with disabilities or did not directly address their employment. That women and minorities remain significantly underrepresented in police departments today may also reflect ineffectiveness. Figures in the chapter show ongoing increases in minority representation in police departments from 1987 to 2007.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: Black officers were hired as early as 1861, while the first woman was not hired until 1905. Even when minorities and women were hired, they faced on -the-job discrimination. Both women and minorities continue to be underrepresented. There is evidence, although some of it may be questionable, that there are situations in which minorities and women may be particularly suited to certain types of police work. Women were prohibited from taking patrol duty until 1968. Black officers were required to call on white officers to arrest white suspects and had labeled patrol cars.