grape vine

British Association for Women in Policing July 2014

Fewer women pass fitness tests Officers mark FEMALE police officers had less Yvonne’s death success in the new job-related fitness A TWO-minute silence was testing than their male counterparts, held to remember police officer newly published figures have shown. Yvonne Fletcher, on the 30th The results of more than 30,000 anniversary of her murder. police fitness tests taken nationwide Metropolitan Police commis- have been published. In those, wom- sioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, en had a national average pass rate of said the force is “determined to 92 per cent, compared to 97 per cent catch the person responsible” for for male officers. the murder. The tests are being assessed by the The officer, who was just 25 College of Policing as forces prepare when she died, was gunned down to introduce annual assessments for on 17 April 1984 outside the Lib- all officers. Figures from tests taken yan embassy. No-one has been between September 2013 and March Fewer female officers pass the fitness test compared to male officers. prosecuted for her death. this year were submitted to the Col- Members of her family joined lege of Policing from 39 forces. “The opportunity to have a go in HM chief inspector of constab- friends and colleagues in remem- In five forces, 100 per cent of single gender sessions and with pace- ulary and former police pay and bering her on 17 April. Floral female applicants passed: Avon and makers are two examples of ways conditions reviewer Tom Winsor tributes were left at her memorial Somerset, Hertfordshire, Hum- that confidence can be built. BAWP recommended that all officers who in London (pictured). berside, Northamptonshire and would encourage the continuation “may be” deployed to the front line Northumbria. of such sessions and will be sharing – including chief officers and those Debbie Wood, who represents best practice in due course.” on secondments and federation Sussex Police and BAWP on the Na- The 15m shuttle run is based representatives – take the test. tional Fitness Working Group, says on scientific research to match the The review recommended that many forces run practice sessions for aerobic demands of officer safety any officer who fails the test be women (and men) who need help training. There is no obstacle course penalised in their pay packet. Failure passing the fitness tests. or upper-body strength testing. The to pass the test three times will The sessions provide a test standard is the same as that used result in dismissal for unsatisfactory Sir Bernard said: “At the end of environment without the pressure when recruiting officers. performance. the day, Yvonne Fletcher’s parents and allow officers to gain expertise In September 2013, the College Assistant Chief Constable Rob lost their daughter. and coaching from other officers issued interim guidance on how Price, National Fitness Working “Her sister lost a sister. We lost and staff. Her force and others also police forces should implement the Group Lead, said: “The results to a colleague, and we’re determined provide training plans for those who fitness test. Fitness testing is in an date are encouraging and show the to make sure we catch the person need extra support, she said. interim phase to allow data to be vast majority of officers tested are fit. responsible.” Mrs Wood added: “Qualitative examined so it can be understood New guidance will be issued to forces He said the investigation had data suggests that supportive practice how specific groups of individuals later this year with a strong emphasis “never stopped”, adding: “We’re sessions, most of which are run by are performing. on providing supportive measures to determined to make progress, women’s support groups within in- The College will use this data help officers pass the test.” and I’m confident we’re making dividual forces, help officers that are to carry out an equality impact Steve White, chairman of the good progress.” finding the job-related fitness tests assessment and make any necessary Police Federation of England and challenging. While these sessions revisions to national guidance before Wales, said: “Fitness tests need to re- appear to be mainly attended by all forces begin annual fitness testing flect the diverse nature of the police women, many forces have an open- in September following recommen- force and be appropriate for each to-all policy. dations in the Winsor Review. role officers may undertake.”

July 2014 1 Farewell to old friends as BAWP

Inside your July looks forward to new challenges BAWP newsletter THE BAWP Annual General Meet- ing was held on 10th June, where we Page 1 – Fit for purpose? A look officially said goodbye to two of our at fitness testing long-standing members, Assistant Page 2 - BAWP President and Editor of Grapevine Nicky Phillip- Coordinator’s columns son and Treasurer Pippa Taylor. Page 3 – Women still wearing A huge thanks to both of them men’s police uniforms for their outstanding dedication and Page 5 – The Senior Women in contribution over the years; they Policing conference will be missed. It is my pleasure to Page 6 – Will direct entry im- announce the appointment of our prove policing diversity? new Treasurer, Anne Sanlon. Cressida Dick is looking forward to the launch of Gender Agenda 3. Page 7 – Seventy years of wom- The committee has given hon- en in Surrey Police orary life time membership to the the International Association of guest speakers. Thank you to all Page 8 – Q and A with Ch Insp following: Judith Gillespie, Jackie Women in Policing Annual training who have contributed so far, and Debbie Marsden Roberts and Julie Grocutt, for the Conference being held in Winni- continue to provide feedback on continued contribution and support peg, Canada. The IAWP ‘Cardiff this important piece of work. to women within the Police Service. 2015’ Committee is busy preparing Fitness tests continue to be part Contact BAWP Next year we are celebrating 100 an exhibition to showcase in Winni- of regular discussions here at BAWP Tel: 0844 414 0448 years of women in policing and peg so if you are attending this year and we will continue to work closely Vice-President – Fay Tennet currently there are regional discus- please do drop by and show them with the College of Policing, making [email protected]. sions taking place to talk through your support. sure that it is fair for all. There have police.uk the events taking place. Do make Here in the UK, our Annual been a number practice sessions Coordinator – Parwinder Dale contact with our National Coordi- BAWP Awards are taking place on organised by Women’s networks, [email protected] nator Parwinder if you have an idea 11th November at Stratford Upon which all had positive feedback and Secretary – Carolyn Williamson to mark the occasion. Avon. I look forward to meeting have been well attended. [email protected] It was good to see so many of you you all at the awards. BAWP wishes you a very good Follow us on at twitter. at the Senior Women in Policing The Gender Agenda 3 has summer, hopefully full of sunshine. com/CoordBAWP. Conference in Belfast in March. It evolved over the past few months See you in our next edition of Like us on Facebook at www. was an extremely successful and and we look forward to celebrating Grapevine. facebook.com/bawp1 well-attended event. Of course, the its official launch in September. We next big event for the calendar is hope to mark this occasion with Cressida Dick, BAWP President Who are we? You can see a full list of BAWP committee members at the Gender is still at the top of the agenda BAWP website: WELCOME to our new look Other news www.bawp.org/page-1319216 Grapevine newsletter! We hope you We are currently working on a all like it! I am sorry say goodbye joint survey on sexual harass- to Nicky Phillipson, who will no ment in policing with Unison, the Become a longer will be Assistant Editor Superintendents’ Association, the BAWP member? for Grapevine. But we are also Police Federation and Prof Jennifer equally pleased to inform you that Brown, Deputy Chair of the Inde- More information about joining we will be working with Martis pendent Police Commission [the the BAWP can be found on our Media from now on in producing Lord Stevens Review into policing] website: Grapevine together. There will now and Co-Director of the Mannheim www.bawp.org/page-473221 be four editions a year. If you have Centre for Criminology. We are feedback back please let us know. National Coordinator Parwinder looking to send out the survey in Dale has been busy with BAWP. September. More details to follow. Grapevine Gender Agenda 3 Vice-President Fay Tennet, Grapevine is produced quarterly I have been busy with Gender near completion and we are going Secretary Carolyn Williamson and by Martis Media (www.martis- Agenda 3 document, which was in- to be launching in the Autumn. I attended the Senior Women in media.co.uk) on behalf of the formed by Manchester Metropoli- We know there have been delays Policing Conference in Northern British Association for Women tan University’s Dr Wendy Laverick launching, but we are nearly there, Ireland in March, which you will in Policing. Stories: Hollie and her research, Policing reform: so thank you everyone for your read about later in this edition (see Clemence and Sarah Ingram. consequences for the gender agenda patience. An exact date will be page 5). Design: Erena Laird. Email and the female police workforce. announced shortly. I shall keep you Enjoy reading your new news- [email protected] The Gender Agenda 3 is now all posted. letter!

2 July 2014 Badly fitting uniforms cause pain to officers

FEMALE officers are in pain and feel excluded.” discomfort at work because they The report also recommended are still wearing men’s police uni- that gender-specific summer and forms, a study has found. winter uniforms should be intro- The research, conducted by the duced, as women are more suscep- University of , found that tible to monthly body temperature female officers are coming to work changes as well as symptoms of the in uniforms that “do not meet their menopause. personal or operational needs”, It said: “Many officers appear and that more needs to be done to genuinely concerned about ensure women have clothes with long-term health issues through appropriate cut and design. wearing the current uniform. Six in 10 respondents to the Many described personal hygiene study said they had suffered “pain as being very important to them or injury” as a result of their uni- and the service provided. Some form and 28 per cent said that their officers suggest that a quality de- uniform had made existing injuries Ill-fitting uniforms make it harder for women officers to do their jobs. signed uniform may actually assist worse or delayed recuperation. with personal hygiene, reduce Ill-fitting stab-proof vests and movement was restricted, mak- dent of the British Association for absence rates and in real terms body armour, utility belts and ing it hard to run, restrain and Women in Policing, said: “Police save money.” shoulder harnesses were to blame apprehend suspects. They added officers, whatever their gender, It added: “It is clear from the for back and hip injuries, neck and that driving and getting out of need to have the kit and equipment general response to this survey shoulder pain, sciatica, skin rashes, vehicles quickly was difficult, and and uniform that enables them to that officers feel passionate and are excessive sweating, stomach pain that radios and personal protective do their job. concerned about their uniform. and muscle spasms, the survey equipment got caught on seat belts, “Having things that do not fit or They want to look professional and heard. doors, furniture and fences. do not work or even make people also maintain a sensible degree of More than half of officers – male Many officers said that poor uni- feel excluded is not acceptable. If protection from both suspects and and female – said that they felt form led to them being cold, wet, you are given a kit and are told - the prevailing weather conditions.” their uniform hindered their ability sweaty, uncomfortable, fatigued ‘look this isn’t made for you but The study was carried out on be- to do a proper job. and unhappy. you can wear it’, it makes you feel half of Tayside Police, which is now They complained that their Ch Insp Fay Tennet, Vice-Presi- like you don’t belong. People can a policing area of Police Scotland.

New shift patterns put women off policing Allow holidays during term time THE police service is becoming less attractive as a career option for OFFICERS should be given the female officers as shift changes and flexibility to take their children new promotion frameworks freeze out of school during term time to women out, the Police Federation of go on holiday, the president of the England and Wales’ annual confer- Association of Chief Police Officers ence has heard. has said. The service, which has been Sir Hugh Orde has written to trying to become more accessible to Education Secretary Michael Gove female and minority ethnic officers asking if he will grant officers in recent years, is becoming more “exceptional circumstances” and young, white and male, according to allow them to go on holidays during the organisation’s equality adviser. The PFEW conference heard many women only serve for eight years. term time if they are unable to do so Jayne Monkhouse told the con- during the regular holidays “due to ference’s women’s reserve session: There are fewer than 700 women 129,956 police officers in England their policing duties”. “There is a very real possibility that officers in the police service with and Wales, 35,471 (or 27.3 per cent) Parents whose children do not at- the service will become younger, more than 27 years’ service, the were women, up from 26.8 per cent tend school are liable for a £60-£120 whiter and more male with the conference heard, compared to in March 2012. fixed penalty notice under Section cumulative impact of the current nearly 5,000 men. Women are gen- The proportion of women in the 444 of the Education Act 1996. Offi- changes that are being implemented erally leaving the service at around more senior ranks of chief inspector cers must tell their force’s Profes- by forces. The equality impact as- eight years, when they begin to have and above was 18 per cent (up from sional Standards Department if they sessments show a lack of apprecia- children. 16.3 per cent), while there were 29.7 are fined for taking children out of tion of the value of having a diverse According to per cent of women at constable rank school, which could lead to them workforce.” figures published last year, of the (up from 29.4 per cent). being disciplined for misconduct.

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4 July 2014 Senior women keep talking about Twitter TWITTER and communication ball,” she told delegates. were on the agenda at this year’s Baroness May Blood also talked Senior Women in Policing confer- about her life story, which led her ence held in Belfast. to the House of Lords. The theme of the conference Ch Insp Fay Tennet, Vice-Pres- was ‘Communication and Con- ident of BAWP, described the nection’, exploring the emerging conference, which took place from opportunities and challenges for 11 to 13 March, as “an incredible policing in the 21st Century. success”. She said: “The team from Sinead McSweeney, Twitter’s the Police Service of Northern Director of Public Policy for Ireland gave delegates the warmest Europe, spoke to delegates about of welcomes and everyone enjoyed international social media, launch- Pictured (left to right) are the BAWP Secretary Carolyn Williamson, the fantastic Irish hospitality. ing a debate about the sometimes National Coordinator Parwinder Dale and Vice-President Fay Tennet. Every speaker inspired, motivated difficult line between freedom of and left the 250-strong audience expression and privacy for Twitter about how young women of the Cressida Dick, BAWP President informed.” users and the policing of social future need to be supported. and Assistant Commissioner at the n PSNI Deputy Chief Constable media. The conference also heard from Metropolitan Police, spoke about Judith Gillespie, the first woman Other speakers included Jessica Rosy Cave, Conflict and Gender the importance of building good to hold a chief officer rank in the Grounds, Director of the Women’s Adviser at the UK Stabilisation relationships professionally, per- force, has been recognised with Office at Ready for Hillary, the Unit, which works towards sonally and within the community a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday committee campaigning for establishing peace and security in to prepare for times of pressure Honours list. Former DCC Judith Hillary Clinton to become the next countries affected by conflict and and challenge. “It’s too late to learn joined the Royal Ulster Constabu- US President. Ms Grounds spoke instability. to dance half an hour before the lary in the early 1980s.

Wales gets set to mark 100 years of IAWP GPS helps track elderly residents IT IS just over a year until the In- marking the 100th anniversary of total of 144 seminars and work- ternational Association of Women the founding of the IAWP. shops over the four days, covering ELDERLY and vulnerable people Police celebrates its centenary – BAWP Secretary Carolyn as wide a range of operational and in the south are being kept safe by with its 53rd annual conference in Williamson says: “If it were not for developmental topics as we can. tracking technology thanks to a Cardiff. IAWP, the BAWP would not exist, Consider paying for yourself if scheme dreamt up by a Chichester The International Association as the experience of attending an the force won’t support you, and sergeant. of Women Police was founded in IAWP conference in 1986 inspired become part of a truly international Sgt Suzie Mitchell, of Sussex Po- America in 1915 as an international Tina Martin to form a sister organi- g roup.” lice, has introduced ‘MindMe’ GPS organisation for women in criminal sation in the UK the following year, The conference runs between devices for those suffering from justice professions. and we have been going ever since. Sunday 23 and Thursday 27 August dementia on her patch – enabling Today, the association has mem- “So what makes IAWP confer- 2015. The BAWP will also be cele- them to be quickly found if they go bers in 60 countries and counting. ences so special? Mainly the com- brating 100 years of police women missing. The Annual Training Conference radeship of colleagues from around in Britain. Visit the website www. The devices, which can be fitted is the biggest event in the associa- the world and the range and quality iawp2015.org or email Carolyn@ to a set of keys, mean carers and tion’s calendar, and next year’s event of the training that is available. iawp2015.org for more information families can keep track of loved in Wales will be particularly special, “In Cardiff we will be running a or sponsorship queries. ones and find them before they need to be officially reported to the police as missing. On message Sgt Mitchell said: “GPS devices allow the family or carer and the JULIA Jaeger, BAWP committee vulnerable adult peace of mind as member, (left) and Secretary they can remain independent with Carolyn Williamson (right) were the added comfort of being able to on hand at the Police Federation be located should they not return of England and Wales confer- home.” ence in May to promote associ- The devices, which are to be ation’s work. The message was introduced to vulnerable adults that the BAWP is “committed to across Sussex, reduce the amount helping all women in policing of distress caused to those who get achieve their full potential”. lost and reduce the risk of potential harm, she said.

July 2014 5 Fast track key to retaining female inspectors

PLANS to fast-track talented to attract candidates from a variety officers through the promotions of organisations, rather than just process could be used to recruit the military. and retain more women in the She added: “The general view is inspecting ranks, according to the that the service is trying to attract British Association for Women in from the military or similar large Policing. corporations. We know that the Ch Insp Fay Tennet, Vice-Pres- make up of these organisations is ident, said that too many women largely white and male, so would are leaving the service as they get that really move us forward?” to the inspecting ranks because Prime Minister they want to have children. welcomed the schemes when they But the fast-track programme, Fast-track schemes can help get more women into senior positions. were launched earlier this year. under which candidates undergo He said: “It is vital that police three years’ training to qualify as an scheme, recruits can expect to earn taking candidates away from home forces reflect the hard-working inspector, could encourage women £47,000 after three years when they for extended periods of time. communities which they serve. to join, she said. become an inspector. Only 26 of “Will the intense training pro- This is about opening up policing Ch Insp Tennet said: “We would 44 forces in England and Wales are gramme put people off with caring culture by making the workforce like to think that it will help bring involved in the scheme, on which responsibilities?” she asked. more diverse. I want to see all more diversity into the service. there are 80 places offered. Officers The direct entry programme forces in England and Wales rolling When a woman comes in as a PC, will start in their posts later this is aimed at recruiting 20 “experi- out these schemes.” by the time they start looking at year. enced leaders” from the private, Alex Marshall, chief executive of the higher ranks, they make other Ch Insp Tennet also said the di- public and charity sectors to join the College of Policing, said: “Po- life choices, that is having children, rect entry programme, which will as superintendents, the College of licing is an exciting and rewarding and we lose them. recruit 20 candidates straight into Policing said. Seven forces and the profession which makes a differ- “If you can get them to the the superintendent rank, could also British Transport Police are taking ence to lives of thousands of people inspector rank within a few years, be used to enhance diversity, but part. They are likely to have an each and every day. These new they may well be more likely to stay that the service must ensure the 18 month probation and learning ways for people to join will help us on that career trajectory, even if programme is suitable for women. period, similar to police constables. ensure we continue to evolve as a there are interruptions.” She issued a warning about the And Ch Insp Tennet also profession by bringing in expertise On the graduate fast-track programme’s residential courses warned that more needs to be done from other sectors.”

Federation proud Budding firearms officers test out the role to help women FEMALE officers at the Metropol- said they felt “encouraged” to apply THE exiting General Secretary of itan Police were invited to attend a for a firearms role, with nobody the Police Federation of England firearms event to boost interest in “discouraged”. and Wales has spoken of his pride firearms roles at the force. Nearly half of the attendees said about improving working condi- The event was held to raise that the most useful part of the day tions for women in policing. awareness of the opportunities for was to spend time on the range, Ian Rennie, who stepped down at female officers across all firearms shooting a firearm and handling the end of May, reported a number commands, where women are the weapons. Others valued the of positive changes to terms and currently under-represented. The Met held a firearms taster. experience of speaking to officers conditions that came about through Attendees had the opportunity to currently in the role and listening to the Gen- try the bleep test for firearms offi- attended over the two days, 25 and presentations from various Opera- der Equality and Work Life Balance cers, to practise shooting on a range 26 March. tional Command Units. working group. and to handle some of the weapons On the first day, Assistant Among suggestions for future He said he was “especially proud” used in the section. Commissioner Cressida Dick, events was to try on the kit and test of instigating the group, which A physical training instructor also President of BAWP, spoke to its weight, as well as hear more in- focused on issues particularly rele- was on hand to offer advice and attendees, thanking the Specialist formation about the procedure and vant to women, ensuring that they guidance about the fitness levels Firearm Command branch SCO19 support offered if a firearms officer are not disadvantaged when they required. Attendees also had the for arranging the event. ever has to shoot. have a baby or reduce their hours. opportunity to talk informally to The feedback provided was over- One attendee described it as a Reforms included simplifying female officers already working whelmingly positive with every sin- “really great day”. She added: “It Police Regulations on part-time in firearms commands to find out gle respondent agreeing or strongly informed me about departments working and issuing guidance on about the realities of the role. agreeing that the presentations were I had no knowledge about and managing maternity and flexible More than 60 officers, the effective. showed me that firearms is not as working. majority of which were constables, Four out of five respondents male dominated as I thought it was.”

6 July 2014 Sgt Success Handbag-sized truncheons: force FEMALE PCs were more likely to pass the exam to become a celebrates the first female officers sergeant than their male counter- parts, figures have revealed. As FEMALE officers have met at many as 4,536 PCs from England Surrey Police Headquarters in and Wales took the OSPRE Guildford to celebrate 70 years since Part I exam in March and 1,730 women were permitted to join the candidates passed. The pass rate force. among female candidates was 42 Sixty retired officers, Special per cent (476 candidates), com- constables and serving bobbies were pared with 37 per cent (1,244 invited to the ceremony at Mount candidates) for men. Browne, where their achievements were celebrated. Women were invited to join in 1944 – but as long Custody woes as they were unmarried. FOUR in 10 custody ser- Among the entry requirements geants have suffered anxiety or for female officers in 1944 were that depression as a result of their they must be of “average intelligence job, a survey has revealed. And and single” – although they did per- nearly 70 per cent say they want mit widows to join. They also had to leave the role – with a further to be between the ages of 22 and 35 half saying the custody sergeant and no shorter than 5’ 4”. job makes them want to quit po- They were issued shorter trun- licing. The figures were revealed cheons than their male colleagues, in a two-year survey of officers which were designed to be kept by the University of Nottingham inside their handbags, along which saw 1,677 officers from with their police notebook. Their around the country quizzed on uniforms were notably different too their role over a two-year period. – they were issued with knee-length skirts and nylon tights. ready to head off to their first days Female detectives were intro- of training school. Bobby off beat duced at the force in 1974. In 1989, Chief Constable Lynne Owens, THE number of people who WPC Nicole Smith (pictured) who became the first woman to have seen a bobby on the beat at became the first female dog handler head the force in 2012, praised no- least once a week has fallen. Fig- in the Surrey Police Dog Section. table figures from the force’s history ures from the Office of National And in 1988 WPC Miranda Avery for their work during a difficult Statistics show that police visibil- (pictured) took to the road to period for women after they were ity fell during 2012-13. This is the become the first female motorcycle granted equal status in 1944. first recorded fall since 2009-10. officer to join the Roads Policing She said: “It’s because of some of According to the ONS: “The pro- Unit at Surrey Police. the sacrifices you made that we’re portion of adults who reported Also pictured are a group of able to be here today. We operate in seeing a police officer on foot female recruits in 1976 getting a very different world now.” patrol in their local area at least once a week recorded a decrease of four percentage points from Hampshire debates fitness and flexibility 38 per cent to 34 per cent.”

FITNESS testing and flexible work- Chief Constable Andy Marsh and ing were among the hot topics at the Assistant Chief Constable David Overtime saved latest regional Women’s Network Pryde opened the event, extending OVERTIME payments to PCs event at Hampshire Constabulary. a special thanks to Ch Supt Ann and sergeants could have disap- Police officers from across the Wakefield for her years of support peared entirely had a proposal South East gathered at Netley to and motivational leadership of the by Tom Winsor been pushed discuss issues affecting women force’s Women’s Network. through, it has emerged. Police (pictured). Ch Supt Wakefield sat on a panel officials spent a “highly-charged” Delegates had the opportunity icies such as mentoring for better of guests including Det Ch Insp six-hour meeting debating pro- to attend workshops on career career development, women-only Linda Dawson, who was awarded posed changes, during which Mr development, menopause, fitness sessions for fitness training, and an MBE in the New Year’s Honours, Winsor had to be “convinced of testing, flexible working, maternity, buddy schemes, e-learning and senior HR manager Gemma Gair the need for overtime”, according and managing change. coffee mornings for police officers and PC Vikki Warne. They all an- to a chief negotiator, Graham Best practices were discussed, on maternity leave. swered questions about their career Cassidy, former Secretary of the with plans to implement new pol- Hampshire Constabulary’s and family challenges. Superintendents’ Association.

July 2014 7 In the firing line Ch Insp Debbie Marsden is responsible for making sure surveillance and firearms roles are more accessible to female officers. She tells Grapevine about her work.

You hold the lead on behalf of too far. We know that many indi- ACPO Interoperability for Inclu- viduals fail at this first point. It can sion. What does this mean? be overcome by a big proportion of ACPO Interoperability covers a vari- these candidates building a realistic ety of policing activity, but currently training plan. Specialist trainers in our work is focused on inclusion forces can help with this. within surveillance and firearms. The initial work of my team is The work started in the world to identify the issues and provide of surveillance where particular guidance and support to ensure we challenges were being faced by our are all doing our bit to deconstruct staff remaining covert when working the barriers. I have an aspiration to in some of our communities. In that take it further so that these teams discipline there is a very clear busi- lead the way in providing inclusive ness case that our surveillance teams environments in which to work. need to reflect the communities in I also know that these careers which they work so that they can are just not for some of our staff. I be operationally effective, and not cannot accept it where these career compromised. choices are not made from a position Daily, firearms officers have to where a choice is really there. adapt to work in a covert way along- side their surveillance colleagues. What hurdles have you experi- We recognise, however, this is just enced at work because of your one of their roles, and only a small gender? number of firearms officers in any It has depended where I am and department will do this. If we reflect what role I have been in. Now there our communities we can be more are no issues or hurdles, but I have effective in conflict management. often been the only female in a room of officers in covert policing, or it What is your day job? has been assumed in among a group I am one of the force incident com- that I was the lowest ranking officer. manders in Dorset Police, working When the opposite is pointed out 24/7 within the force control room. then the question is posed “But is she The role is a bit different than some any good?” The fact that my male other forces, as we are the firearms colleagues laugh when this is asked and pursuit commanders as well as reflects well on them. being in overall charge of all force assets. We are also responsible for What are the next steps for the managing all incidents and crimes see fewer women in specialist roles? in the roles. service to become more inclusive? where significant risk is present. Inclusion is about building a work- The caring profile in this country Our work focuses on changing The inclusion work is a legacy ing environment where people are will change over the years to come culture through challenging why we from one of my previous roles as a given the opportunity to achieve with a significant part of our elder have always done things in a certain covert manager but I have stayed their full potential. It includes all the community needing family care. way. We have focused on the policies, with it, as I strongly believe in what considerations of diversity, but in my Caring is not gender specific processes and people involved. we are trying to deliver. view it is more. although many carers are female Practitioners working within, and As a firearms commander, I now A considerable barrier for females and this has an impact. If there is those who are no part of current have the benefit of seeing both ele- in a specialist discipline is the no flexibility when performing the teams have told us what affects them ments. We are all wrestling with the perception about what the job is role then it excludes a group of our and what they want to experience in issue of inclusion in our teams and rather than knowing what it actually talented staff. the future. I genuinely believe that by taking a is. Over time these myths can get From that we have created some step-by-step approach we can begin reinforced by their immediate What are the issues facing women really straightforward guidance to make the changes required. supervision, colleagues or through in firearms roles? about how to raise awareness and their own observations. For some For those, mainly females, aspiring marketing for the posts. Our favou- What are the issues for female there are caring responsibilities and a to become firearms officers the rite question is ‘why?’. Why are we officers in surveillance? Why do we belief that there is a lack of flexibility fitness test can be seen as a challenge doing it like that?

8 July 2014