Workplace discrimination has differentially affected African-American and women workers throughout American history. The current study provides a review of the theoretical literature on discrimination and discusses the early roles of female and African-American police officers. The research literature on the prevalence and nature of discrimination against African-American and women police officers is presented, which demonstrates that African-American and women officers are subjected to discriminatory treatment that interferes with their ability to function effectively as officers. Legislation designed to protect minorities and women from workplace discrimination is described, followed by a series of recommendations that address institutional discrimination at the macro level of policing. The authors recommend that funding be increased for sensitivity training and that recruitment strategies designed to increase the numbers of women and minority officers should be adopted. Notes, references