This is what 100 years of women in the police looks like
- In partnership with
A century after the first women joined the Metropolitan Police, we chart the major landmarks in 100 years of female policing - from handbag-sized truncheons to the first female commissioner…
The prospect of women being allowed to join the Metropolitan Police was first mooted way back in 1917, when the National Union of Women’s Workers was granted the princely sum of £400 a year to start integrating the first women into the service.
It would be another two years until the first women joined up, and 100 years later we’re still seeing pioneering women representing the Met in all areas of expertise.
From the earliest women on patrol to the first female Commissioner of the service, here’s a snapshot of what 100 years of female policing looks like and the impact women have had on keeping Londoners safe…
Inspired by past female contributions to the police and want to be part of the Met future?
Find out more about a career in the Met Police.
Illustrations: Amelia Flower / Folio Art