• DOI:10.1177/109861102129198020
• Corpus ID: 144221713

Pink and Blue: Outcomes Associated With the Integration of Open Gay and Lesbian Personnel in the San Diego Police Department

@article{Belkin2001PinkAB,
  title={Pink and Blue: Outcomes Associated With the Integration of Open Gay and Lesbian Personnel in the San Diego Police Department},
  author={Aaron Belkin and J Mcnichol},
  journal={Police Quarterly},
  year={2001},
  volume={5},
  pages={63 - 95}
}

• A. Belkin, J. Mcnichol
• Published 1 November 2001
• Law
• Police Quarterly

We examine whether the integration of open gay and lesbian officers has undermined the organizational effectiveness of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). Based on an analysis of prior research and a 3-day site visit, our finding is that a quiet process of normalization has reduced much of the emotional charge that heterosexual officers originally anticipated. Although integration has proceeded largely uneventfully, subtle forms of discrimination do persist, and gay officers who do not already enjoy respect may face challenges. Despite these uneven effects, integration has enhanced cohesion as well as the SDPD's standing with the communities it serves