Lincolnshire Police celebrate International Women's Day and reflect on local achievements

The annual event takes place today (Monday, March 8) and aims to highlight and shine a spotlight on the contribution women make to society.

Choose to Challenge is the theme this year - and one senior officer agrees more needs to be done to make the world fairer.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said: “This is a global recognition that gender equality has not been achieved across the world and while we in the UK are very much more progressive than some parts of the world we need to continue the focus both at home and abroad to make the world a fairer place for all.

“The richer the diversity within an organisation the better it performs and if we want Lincolnshire Police to be deliver the very best service it can then we need the workplace to be the best it can be.

“Women may offer a different perspective to men and this can lead to changes in how we work which leads to greater inclusivity.

“I have (and do) worked with absolutely brilliant people; have done all sorts of jobs and my career has taking me across the country and abroad and opened me up to a wider world.

“There is such a wider variety of roles to be explored in policing there will definitely be one out there for you.”

DC Jacqueline Smith added: “For me it is a day to celebrate how far we have come as a gender and to celebrate our achievements.

“I thought that my becoming a member of the policing family would help other women to feel more comfortable in dealing with police as some people may see women officers as less intimidating.

“I think it is important for women to be represented in the workplace as our younger generations need to see that they have a multitude of options open to them and that they don’t have to take no for an answer based on the gender/ethnicity/disability.

“It’s hard work, but it is rewarding.”

Another member of the force said: “International Women’s Day is a celebration. It is a promotion of the positive achievements of many women, from a variety of roles and backgrounds.

“It is an opportunity for women to feel inspired, to see that anything is possible and to realise that every person has the potential to succeed.

“I don’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a police officer.

“The thought of wanting to ‘catch the baddies’ and ‘get justice’ has been with me since I was a child. So many people tried to talk me out of it.

“I was told I was ‘too nice’, that it ‘wasn’t the right career for me’, that ‘I would change’ and more than once that ‘it was a job for a tall and tough man’.

“But I am so glad I didn’t listen. I have the job I always dreamed of and the best career in the world.

“Feeling like you have helped someone is the most rewarding part of the job.

“I would definitely recommend working within the police. There is constant support, no prejudice, great opportunities and you and your colleagues become more like family than friends.”

One DC said: “It’s a day for women to celebrate their successes with each other and reflect on their experiences.

“I always feel that it doesn’t matter what your gender is but to have the right person for the job, and the police force to date is realising that having positive female role models assists them with achieving this.

“The police force isn’t a career to take lightly you have to invest in it and give it your whole; the rewards however, are worth the dedication and the opportunities that are available both to specialise or further your career are second to none.”

Another added: “I was a research scientist prior to joining the police and wanted a more active and challenging role.

“I used to watch britcops and wanted to be a response officer as it looked an exciting and challenging role where I could make a difference.

“Making a difference to people’s lives and feeling like you are contributing in a positive manner to the local community is the best part of the job.

“I also like the sense of achievement and feel proud to say I am a police officer. I also find it rewarding working with my colleagues and being part of the police family.”