Trending Topics

Pregnancy, parenthood, and policing: Resources for cops and their PDs

More and more states are cracking down on pregnancy discrimination. Here’s what you need to know

More and more states are cracking down on pregnancy discrimination. Here’s a handy state-by-state map of pregnancy (and nursing) anti-discrimination laws. Further, here’s a snapshot of pregnancy accommodation and paid family leave laws in different state and local jurisdictions, including pending legislation.

Medical Guidance
The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine offers Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Law Enforcement Officers. It’s intended to give physicians information to help them make medical qualification recommendations that promote the health and safety of officers while at the same time ensuring their ability to protect civilian life and property. It’s also a valuable tool for officers themselves and members of national and international associations representing officers, law enforcement executives, municipal managers, attorneys, and insurers.

EEOC Guidance
The U.S. EEOC’s publication of Enforcement Guidance on Pregnancy Discrimination & Related Issues has been updated in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Young v. United Parcel Serv., Inc., — U.S. —, 135 S.Ct. 1338 (2015).

Proactive Policies
For starters, check out the IACP model policy on pregnancy. Also, you can refer to the Pregnancy Guidelines for Federal Law Enforcement.

A policy won’t protect a department if it is applied discriminately. In Adams v. Nolan (1992) Officer Nolan’s request for light duty supported by her doctor’s recommendation was denied based on a department policy that “no light duty assignments will be made for employees due to non-work related injury or illness.” Nolan prevailed on appeal when the court found that two male officers were allowed temporary desk jobs for non-work related injuries.

Watch Fargo
To put this issue in perspective, put your sense of humor on and watch the movie Fargo. Frances McDormand won an Oscar for her portrayal of Marge Gunderson, a seven-months pregnant Minnesota Police Chief who solves a multiple homicide. She apprehends one of the defendants stuffing his dead co-defendant into a wood chipper, but only after he tries to flee and Marge has to shoot and then cuff him. If nothing else, watch the morning sickness scene.

Come to think of it, a sense of humor would serve pregnant cops and their departments well in aspiring to balance pregnancy, parenthood, and policing.

As a state and federal prosecutor, Val’s trial work was featured on ABC’S PRIMETIME LIVE, Discovery Channel’s Justice Files, in USA Today, The National Enquirer and REDBOOK. Described by Calibre Press as “the indisputable master of entertrainment,” Val is now an international law enforcement trainer and writer. She’s had hundreds of articles published online and in print. She appears in person and on TV, radio, and video productions. When she’s not working, Val can be found flying her airplane with her retriever, a shotgun, a fly rod, and high aspirations. Contact Val at www.valvanbrocklin.com.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU