Police in the Lothians and Scottish Borders have marked 100 years of women in policing by holding a recruitment event for locals schools.
2015 marks the centenary of women in policing and Police Scotland is commemorating the efforts of female officers in the last 100 years with a series of events across Scotland, whilst looking ahead to the future.
The Lothians and Scottish Borders event took place yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, June 23) at Edinburgh College’s Dalkeith Campus. Young people from various schools attended.
The event was also attended by the Divisional Commander for Lothians and the Scottish Borders, Chief Superintendent Gillian Imery, who welcomed the young people to the event.
There were speakers from Police Scotland and two key partner organisations, Equal Scotland and the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre.
The female officers speaking on behalf of Police Scotland came from an array of policing backgrounds including roads policing, the public order unit and specialist crime unit.
Pupils were able to ask questions of the speakers, questions such as how to enter a career in policing, and what requirements are necessary.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Imery said: “Policing in Scotland has changed significantly since 1915 and women joining the Police Service today have full equality of opportunity with their male colleagues.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity for pupils from across the region to find out what is involved in a career in modern policing. Our inspirational female speakers showcased the wide variety of roles available to those aspiring to a career in the police whilst sharing their own personal experiences as women in the force.
“We hope that many of the young people who attended yesterday will now seriously consider a career with Police Scotland.
“We celebrate the progress made in achieving equality for women within the workforce. However we acknowledge that Scotland is a diverse and multicultural country and that Police Scotland must continue to evolve to ensure we as an organisation reflect all communities we serve.
“This event was the first of a number of events that are planned to promote equality within Police Scotland and to encourage people from all backgrounds to aspire to a career within the police.”
Schools include:
Broxburn Academy
St Kentigern’s Academy
Linlithgow Academy
Bathgate Academy
Inveralmond Community High School
Deans Community High School
Lasswade High School
Newbattle High School
Preston Lodge High School
Ross High School
Knox Academy
Dunbar Grammar
Kelso High School
Earlston High School
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
