Walter Toomey Dissertation Proposal Defense

Walter Toomey Dissertation Proposal Defense 

 

Abstract: 

Sexual harassment remains a pervasive concern within law enforcement, particularly for female police officers, and negatively impacts recruiting, turnover, job satisfaction, officer wellbeing, and performance. While existing literature extensively documents the prevalence and negative impacts of such harassment, there remains a critical gap in understanding how female police officers decide to formally report sexual harassment and experience the reporting process. This study explores the decision-making processes and formal reporting experiences of female officers in Massachusetts through reflexive thematic analysis using organizational justice theory as a sensitizing framework to situate individual experiences within broader organizational dynamics. This approach remains grounded in the lived experience of individual women while capturing broader themes of perceived institutional fairness, accountability, barriers, and support. Findings will inform both academic discourse and policy discussions, with practical implications for law enforcement agencies seeking to create environments in which reporting sexual harassment is perceived as safe, just, and supported.

 

Committee members

Kelly Socia (chair) 

Christopher Harris

Joselyne Chenane

Avery Ruf