Police Scotland celebrates 100 years of women in policing
Above:
The 100 Years of Women in Policing, Police Scotland Time Capsule.
Around 70 invited guests attended a reception last Wednesday (25 November 2015) to view the contents of the oak casket, which included a range of historical items - a vintage policewoman’s tunic, old-style handcuffs, a baton of the kind previously issued to women officers (which was significantly smaller than that of their male counterparts, and designed to fit inside a police issue handbag), a cravat and a policewoman’s hat.
Alongside archive material are: press clippings from events which have taken place around Scotland this year to celebrate the centenary; photographs; pin badges; insignia & epaulettes from the legacy Scottish police forces; tributes to female officers who have died in the line of duty; and letters from currently serving Police Scotland officers, Special Constables and staff.
The Time Capsule was sealed by: Chief Constable Sir Stephen House QPM; Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick QPM; Minister for Fair Work, Skills & Training, Roseanna Cunningham MSP; and Superintendent Suzie Mertes, Chair of the Scottish Women’s Development Forum.
It will be installed in a display cabinet in the Museum at the Police Scotland College, Tulliallan.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, QPM said: “I am delighted to be able to play a part in the celebrations of 100 Years of Women in Policing today as the time capsule is sealed and preparations get under way to install it, for the next 100 years, within the museum at Police Scotland College, Tulliallan. It has been wonderful to observe the celebrations taking place around the country, and in particular, the pride generated as a result of events bringing together women of all ages.
“A celebration of this kind is a welcome reminder of both the recent and more distant history of policing in Scotland, and highlights the significant and vital role women have played in helping to keep people safe.
“Great efforts have been made to ensure the police in Scotland more accurately reflect the make up of the country’s population. While Police Scotland acknowledges the need to continue that work, it is heartening to know the number of women in superintending ranks and above have leapt from just 5% in 2003 to 19% at the end of October 2015.
“Recent classes passing out at the Police Scotland College, Tulliallan, have seen women make up as much as 40% of the course. I very much hope the events throughout 2015 will encourage women to consider a career in policing.
“My hope is that everyone within Police Scotland plays a part in ensuring that over the next 100 years every part of the organisation becomes thoroughly representative of the communities we keep safe.”
100 Years of Women in Policing Police Scotland Time Capsule image 1Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick, QPM said: “I believe women in Police Scotland are role models, and that they inspire each other to give of their very best in their professional lives, every time they come to work and serve the public.
“When I joined the police, in 1987, women were still paired with male officers on patrol the streets: women couldn’t go out on night shifts; and there were hurdles in their way if they hoped to follow a career in certain aspects of policing, including public order.
“Thankfully, much has changed, and I am glad that’s the case. There is no rank or role in Scotland which women cannot now attain, and, speaking on behalf of my colleagues in Police Scotland, I hope we are seen as a modern, fair and diverse organisation where women can thrive and develop themselves.
“At every stage of my career, I have been encouraged by colleagues, and remember in particular a female inspector, when I was a sergeant, who showed me that it is possible to be an effective police officer for the public, to care for your colleagues and also to remain true to yourself. I hope today’s female Police Scotland officers bear that in mind and support each other.
“As we recognise the contribution women have made to policing in Scotland throughout the past 100 years, we cannot forget the seven women who have laid down their lives in the line of duty: WPC Isabella Harris; PC Melanie Igoe; PC Jacqueline Haswell; PC Karen Balfour; PC Kirsty Allan; and DC Diane Donald. Most recently, in 2013, PC Kirsty Nelis lost her life when the Police Scotland helicopter she was working onboard crashed into the Clutha Vaults Bar in Glasgow - a crash which also claimed nine other lives.
“The 100 years of Women in Policing celebrations have been a resounding success. Friendships have been made, old bonds strengthened, and generations brought together, with retired officers and staff, as well as the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, playing significant roles. I am so proud to be part of Police Scotland and to have been involved with the 100 years of Women in Policing celebrations. I hope they will leave a legacy fit for the next 100 years.”
Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham MSP said: “The casket that we are sealing today will be a permanent reminder of the contribution of women to policing, and the progress that has been made, from a few pioneering individuals 100 years ago to where we are today. I have absolutely no doubt women will continue to make a powerful and growing contribution to the continued success of Scotland’s policing in the years ahead.”
Superintendent Suzie Mertes, Scottish Women’s Development Forum chair, said: “The SWDF has been delighted to be involved with the 100 years of Women in Policing celebrations in Scotland this year, and, as chair, it has been a privilege to oversee the events which have taken place.
“I am so proud of the achievements of women in policing in Scotland over the last century, and am very excited to see what changes take place in the coming years. The 100 years of Women in Policing celebrations have been a triumph, providing tangible links from the past to the present, and with the sealing of the time capsule today, a link to the present.
“I am honoured to have been invited to seal the capsule on behalf of the SWDF and its members. I very much hope that when it is opened in 100 years its contents will provide a valuable resource to women in policing in the future.”
The Time Capsule has been made possible as the result of generous sponsorship by the Scottish Police Credit Union.
George Nedley, Chief Executive of the Scottish Police Credit Union said: “We feel it’s very important to celebrate the significant contribution women have made to policing over the last 100 years. As part of the Police family, we are delighted to be attending and supporting such a worthwhile event.”
