Scotland’s most senior female police officer says that no role or rank is unattainable for women.
The comment came at a special passing out ceremony at Tulliallan, which also marked the 100th anniversary of women in policing.
Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick paid tribute to the new recruits, 40% of whom are women, and said the event was “a very important milestone”.
“The opportunities available to women have changed dramatically over the last century and there is now no role or rank in Police Scotland which a woman cannot attain,” she said.
“We are really delighted as a force to celebate the impact women have made on policing in the past and continue to make now.Click here for a full photo gallery“I am proud that Police Scotland is committed to ensuring equality and the availability of opportunities for all, regardless of gender, background sexuality or race.
“Policing is a challenging, exciting role with public service at its heart.
“Today’s parade, especially with such a high proportion of female officers, enables us to celebrate the past and present and I wish all the officers involved the very best for their future in policing.”
Annabelle Ewing MSP said there were now record levels of female employment in Scotland, adding: “This is a historic day for Police Scotland and the rate of female recruits passing out this morning confirms that policing is a viable career for women in Scotland.”Timeline 1915-1918 Emily Miller joins City of Glasgow Police and Jean Thomas joins Dundee City Police 1918-1919 Chief constables asked to consider appointing women within their forces “where necessary” 1922 Chief Constable of Dundee City is forced to publicly deny he had a woman working as a constable (even though he did have one) 1924 On 14 June 1924, women constables granted the power of arrest 1940 Miss Jean Malloy was promoted to detective sergeant and became the first woman in Scotland to gain rank 1954 Miss Janet Gray is promoted to chief inspector – and later superintendent – and for the first time, there are uniformed sergeants 1962 Policewomen ‘attached’ to CID recognised as detective constables 1968 Policewomen allowed to remain in post after marriage, with the intention of retaining experienced officers 1976 Policewomen to be known as constable, sergeant, etc, rather than WPC, WSgt, etc, creating equality with male colleagues 1986 Amendment made to the Sex Discrimination Act enabling women to retire at the same age as men 1995 Promotion of Superintendent Sandra Hood to become the first woman in Scotland to hold the rank of chief superintendent, and be put in charge of a police division – she is later appointed as Scotland’s first female assistant chief constable 2006 Margaret Barr appointed director of the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan – she is the first woman, and the first serving police officer, to hold the title 2008 Norma Graham became Scotland’s first female chief constable, at Fife Constabulary 2012 Rose Fitzpatrick appointed as first female deputy chief constable of Police Scotland