Surveys of male officers show that _____ officers view policing as a masculine profession.

Many officers view policing as a masculine profession because societal norms and historical context have long associated law enforcement with traditional masculine traits such as strength, aggression, and decisiveness. The police culture has often emphasized these characteristics, which can shape the perceptions of both male and female officers. Factors such as the portrayal of police in media, community expectations, and even internal departmental dynamics contribute to this view.

The perception of policing as inherently masculine can also influence recruitment, training, and day-to-day operations within law enforcement agencies, leading to an environment where many male officers identify strongly with these attributes. The choice of "many" reflects the significant number of officers who subscribe to these traditional views about masculinity in policing, indicating that this perspective is prevalent among male officers.