In 1979 firearms become standard issue for all policewomen. Gwen Martin is the first female appointed to the Executive of the NSW Police Association. Jill Frazer is awarded ‘Policewoman of the Year’ for bravery when assaulted whilst arresting an offender which ultimately resulted in the amputation of her left leg and her subsequent death.
In 1979 firearms become standard issue for all policewomen. Gwen Martin is the first female appointed to the Executive of the NSW Police Association. Jill Frazer is awarded ‘Policewoman of the Year’ for bravery when assaulted whilst arresting an offender which ultimately resulted in the amputation of her left leg and her subsequent death. Women provided with the same training as men, same selection criteria for Detectives Training Course.
The New South Wales Police Department advertised two positions for female police. Nearly 500 women applied for the position. Two applicants, Lillian Armfield and Maude Rhodes were chosen and subsequently sworn in as Probationary Special Constables. Maude Rhodes resigned in 1920 and Lillian Armfield retired after 33 years service in 1949.
The New South Wales Police Department advertised two positions for female police. Nearly 500 women applied for the position. Two applicants, Lillian Armfield and Maude Rhodes were chosen and subsequently sworn in as Probationary Special Constables. Maude Rhodes resigned in 1920 and Lillian Armfield retired after 33 years service in 1949. The women were required to sign an indemnity releasing the Police Department of any responsibility for their safety and wore civilian clothes, as they were not issued a uniform. Their service was recorded on a separate seniority list until 1965.
For over thirty years, Lillian Armfield served as a female police detective, mainly working in the localities of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. At first a probationary special constable, Armfield was not provided with a uniform, or paid for overtime and ancillary expenses as her male colleagues were.
Despite her valour and dedication,
For over thirty years, Lillian Armfield served as a female police detective, mainly working in the localities of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. At first a probationary special constable, Armfield was not provided with a uniform, or paid for overtime and ancillary expenses as her male colleagues were.
Despite her valour and dedication, she was not given adequate recognition during her career as a police professional. She was only slowly promoted, becoming a Special Sergeant (Third Class) in 1923, and Special Sergeant (First Class) in 1943. She was in charge of all NSW Policewomen until her retirement. For most of her police career, it was known that she was the only NSW Policewoman approved to carry a service revolver.
Constables Amy Millgate and Gladys Johnson, who were trialled at the Traffic Branch in 1948, on the beat in Sydney.
In 1966 Irene Juergens became the 88th woman to join the NSW Police - she had pigtails, wore seamed stockings and wasn't allowed to carry a gun. For the first six years she lectured school children about road safety - one of the few jobs female police were allowed to do at that time.
Policewoman Constable Barbara Galvin, the first female Police Prosecutor at Newton Court 3, Newtown, Sydney.
Mounted policewomen on pedestrian control duty, Market and Pitt Streets, Sydney. Constable Cassandra Huyshe riding Digger (foreground), Constable Lisa Neaves riding Warrigal (background).
Senior Constable Helen Kentwell and Constable Gerda Duiveman, Hunter Valley's first policewomen undertaking general duty patrol, circa 1984.
Now retired Detective Chief Inspector after 34 years service.
Unknown Police Officers, Class 346 with 149 men and 55 women joining the NSW Police Force.
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