The murky, shadow-splotched world of the woman operative reluctantly unfolds through the half-opened blinds formed by that infamous Old Boys’ Network and its chain-of-command. This group exists as a tether to the patriarchal work arena. The links in this binding chain are its members in the knowledge and power pool from which designated procedures and actions may be chosen. The first intriguing case for the female detective-for-hire remains at a distance while her preliminary gauntlet must be run.

Before a woman private eye tackles the contracted job, she must handle the system’s hierarchy. The book Job Shock, by Harry Dent, supports the observation that such a tiered order stands in place and makes the point that this kingdom of patriarchal order exists well-entrenched in the workplace. The last generation’s executives man their domain with bureaucratic expertise, guarding the communication loop. Unable to accept work environment changes due to the use of computers, these hallmarks of old-style business refuse to allow people to relinquish left brain repetitious activity, thus freeing personnel to enhance their creative natures. Initiative could damage the organization’s ranked order. Radically progressive alternatives to strict management styles could increase the efficiency of tasks by eliminating the barriers to communication and the exchange of information.

Changes in communication techniques remove the initial obstacles toward understanding. This, obviously, skirts the chain-of-command policies worshipped by law-enforcement. To those interested in productivity, “working with lower level clerks when only someone in upper management actually makes the decision is a waste of time” (Bristol, p.103). Those on the ladder could lose prestige and control, if not their jobs. Cordial cooperation between police agencies and investigators could more rapidly link those in need of help caused by abuse, drugs, family breakdown, and socio-economic ills to appropriate groups with methods for recourse. The punishment scenario might be eliminated in many cases.

Women investigators would become highly valuable specialists combining unique perspectives with their personal histories. Their backgrounds detail experiences with a variety of specific outcomes. In our society, women appear freer to expose their own vulnerability through sharing human qualities and, most outstandingly, the ability to empathize.

The background and struggles within the system provide a valuable string of contacts, networking associates, and the tremendously useful skills of an actor honed by life’s critical events. As an investigator in the trenches, the female operative possesses heightened proficiency in awareness, unhampered observation, unfettered intuition, keen business savvy, and the colorful character of a chameleon. She must mesh all these traits with her dual roles of breadwinner and feminine entity.