What role did early policewomen primarily fulfill?

Early policewomen primarily fulfilled the role of social workers handling cases involving women and children. During this period, the societal view of women in law enforcement was heavily influenced by traditional gender roles, which often relegated women to the more nurturing aspects of policing. They were tasked with addressing issues such as domestic violence, family disputes, and the welfare of children, which were seen as more appropriate for women to handle.

Their involvement was crucial in dealing with the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in a time when women had fewer legal rights and protections. This specialization allowed them to effectively advocate for and support women and children who were victims of crime or in precarious situations, as they often understood the unique societal challenges that these individuals faced.

While community outreach and engagement, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations were aspects of modern policing, early policewomen were primarily focused on the social welfare and advocacy roles, reflecting the historical context of their entry into policing.