Female officers mark 75 years since their predecessors broke down barriers by joining police
A SPECIAL event was held at Stormont last night to celebrate 75 years of women in policing in Northern Ireland.
It was November 15, 1943 when the first six female recruits to the RUC began their training in Enniskillen.
Last night’s event heard from speakers including Chief Constable George Hamilton, Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray, retired RUC George Cross Superintendent Kate Carlisle MBE and Baroness May Blood.
ACC Gray said the evening was a wonderful opportunity for women in the service to “reflect onwherewewere,whereweare now and how we got here”.
She said: “A new era for policing in Northern Ireland began in 1943 when six women joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
“They were trailblazers and have broken down barriers by leading the way for those involved in policing today.
“It is incumbent on us, within the police service today, to continue to do the same for those women who will follow in our footsteps.
“We want to see women continue to be empowered to contribute to a wide variety of roles, to bring their unique style and skills to some of the most difficult situations people within our society experience.”
She added: “We are a richer organisation and a richer and better society as a result of the contribution that women are making to our world. This event is an important opportunity to reflect on how far we have come; and as we look to the future, to support and encourage the next generations to continue the jour- Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray with retired RUC officer Mae McMullan and Chief Superintendent Emma Bond at the 75 years of Women in Policing celebration at Stormont Buildings
ney that began 75 years ago.”
During the event in the Great Hall, those present took a trip down memory lane with an exhibition showcasing memorabilia from the last 75 years, courtesy of the Police Museum.
It was well into the 1970s before the title ‘Woman Police Constable’ was dropped.
And despite women serving all through the Troubles, it was 1994 before female officers were issued with firearms.
Northern Ireland’s most senior policewoman said times have changed:
“When I joined the RUC in 1989, 10% of those in service were female. Now that has risen to 31%, which is in line with the national average in the UK.
“Perhaps the environment in past years wasn’t attractive for women. I remember being told it wasn’t a job for a woman, but I have no regrets.
“Policing has given me a tremendous career. I have met so many inspirational people in my 30 years of service.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland provides so much opportunity for women today; whether as a police officer or a member of police staff, policing is a career that offers so much potential for personal development, job satisfaction and one that makes a difference to society.”
ACC Gray said that the job provided personal challenges — and the event was a chance to show the opportunities offered by the PSNI to the women of today.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in policing, to serve the public and do everything that we can to keep people safe by detecting crime, preventing harm and protecting those who are vulnerable.
“We are daughters, carers, sisters, mums, grandmothers, partners.
“We are resilient, we are problem solvers, we multi-task; we offer a unique perspective and bring a diversity to the new challenges that we face in policing today.”
❝ It’s a privilege to be in policing, to serve public and do everything that we can to keep people safe