A policewoman's stress differs from that of males because of the unique social, political, and administrative stimuli that influence her development. Severe role conflicts and commitments are often compounded by idealized images of the female officer (most often presented on television). Daily on-the-job risks, on-the-spot decisionmaking, workplace relationships, and interactions with hostile citizens inevitably create stress in law enforcement occupations, regardless of the sex of the officer, but add to these pressures the demands created by ambivalent roles as wife, mother, housekeeper, and the responsibility for maintaining family cohesiveness and stability, and the stress peculiar to the female offices is evident. Rotation of shifts can disrupt family life, and the policewoman may begin to perceive that her family is neglected, and society has conditioned women to feel extreme guilt under such a perception. Job stress peculiar to policewomen is that associated with having to prove themselves to fellow male officers and the public predisposed to doubt their competence in police functions. It is particularly difficult for women in supervisory positions, since male officers tend to resent being subordinate to women. Means of relieving stress for the policewoman include the therapeutic sharing of feelings with fellow female officers or professional counselors, should a department be fortunate to have one.