Over the past few months I’ve seen a lot of tweets about whether there is a place for women on the front line and in UK policing in general. I’ve noted that this criticism is spread amongst both men & women, serving, ex-serving MOPs and of course the trolls. A quick thread....

I’ve experienced sexism in many forms, let’s be clear, being ‘sorry’ because you ‘didn’t realise’ is just as bad as those who still hold the outdated views that women are the weaker sex, less able and only there to look after children, report sexual assaults. It’s 2020 after all.

As a woman, I’ve been chosen to look after kids above other available resources, been asked to leave an incident I was first on scene to, so the more capable ‘lads’-could sort it out. I’ve had officers walk past me because they assume I can’t possible be a SGT as a woman.

When I announced my 1st pregnancy I was asked by my Insp where I wanted to go because I was ‘no use to him anymore’
When pregnant I have been put in charge of monitoring the cleanliness of the writing room, sorting out the exhibits cupboard.

The Met & all other constabularies are doing fantastic work to get the work of women recognised. To congratulate us on our performance, our input to modern day policing. I’m happy to say that we are really making a difference in trying to celebrate women and the great work we do.

Women are more influential now than ever in the job. They’re taking up the higher ranks to effect change. They’re enjoying long careers and being amazing role models. There’s still a great deal of work to be done. But, we also need to convince some sections of the community....

Members of the public have questioned my ability when I turn up with a female op. They’ve asked when the men are arriving. When getting into the driver’s seat, my male ops have been asked why they’re letting me drive. I’ve had people refuse to engage with me because I’m a woman.

It is so sad that even in 2020 women’s credentials are being Q. We have a female commissioner, we have countless women in senior ranks, we have exceptional female PCs all over the country. All do exactly the same job that our fantastic male counterparts do.

Yet still, there are people who say we are just there to fill a quota, that we aren’t as strong as the men. For every person who still has that view, I ask that you contact me and I will organise a ride along for you with me and my female colleagues. To prove that #ThisGirlCan.