A profession in process: The atypical rise of women to the high rank of Police “Commissaire” in France

There are more women at the top of the hierarchy than in the lower ranks of the French Police, and it is easier for them to enter the “virile brigades” as officers than as rank and file. Besides, there are no great differences between male and female “commissaires” as to career opportunities. Those two original features can only be explained when seen in the light of the professional, political and anthropological logics governing this profession in process.