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The Three Types Of Sexual Harassment In Law Enforcement

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In regards to law enforcement, “[s]exual harassment in policing experienced by female officers includes improper touching, sexist and racist comments, having their personal property destroyed, and having sexual materials (e.g., pornography) placed on their desks” (Gunnison, Bernat, Goodstein, 2017, p. 209). Furthermore, three categories of sexual harassment, hostile environment, quid pro quo sexual harassment, and gender harassment, are often distinguished in reference to workplace. Hostile environment harassment can be described as any unwelcome sexual behavior that interferes with an employee’s ability to perform his or her work. Examples of hostile environment include sexual comments, touching or/and requests for sexual favors that create intimidating work environment. Nick Berens in his article, “Former Police Officer Sues Department for Sexual Harassment”, depicts a story of Dana Looper, a former police officer in the Algood Police Department, Tennessee. Looper was a good employee “received promotions and had a good employment record, but she was always aware of inappropriate sexual comments or slurs targeting her or other female officers.” She made a complaint to the supervisors but she was ignored. Soon after, with a rank of sergeant, she was fired for the reason of not properly performing duties and insubordination. Consequently, “she filed a federal lawsuit alleging a pattern of " discriminatory conduct, improper sexual advances, sexual and racial harassment and

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