The study was prompted by the media coverage of the Alison Harford case and the disciplinary charges against her. Results revealed that 48 different policewomen were identified by name, while 12 other policewomen were mentioned but not named. Most of these women were simply doing their normal job of policing. In addition, 12 news items involved policewomen in non-routine situations ranging from inheriting her father's number to being the sister of a television star. Some of these stories focused on death or grief and used sexist language or sex role stereotypes. Finally, reports about 12 policewomen focused on disciplinary proceedings, accidents, or other incidents involving policewomen. In their secondary reports, the newspapers also indicated that television portrays fictional policewomen as tough career women leading loveless lives and that films attach glamour to the danger of policewomen's work.