IAWP will welcome 400 female police officers to global conference in Glasgow
The International Association of Women Police (IAWP) will welcome more than 400 police officers from across the globe to the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) in Glasgow next week for its annual conference.
The event will bring together law enforcement professionals for a week of high-level training, leadership development, and discussion on the most pressing issues facing policing today.
Delegates will engage in thought leading debate, share expertise, and take part in workshops designed to inspire and strengthen policing practice worldwide.
The opening day will conclude with a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating excellence and bravery across the international policing community.
Ten awards will be presented, including the coveted Axon Officer of the Year, and NicheRMS365 Bravery Award.
This year’s award recipients include officers from the UK, Ukraine, Taiwan, Pakistan, US, and Canada. Each honouree will receive a quaich – a traditional Scottish drinking cup.
A uniquely designed tartan will also be registered in honour of the conference and in celebration of the IAWP’s recognition of Scottish heritage.
From the UK, PC Niki Nabi of Lancashire Police will receive the Mentoring and Coaching Award while Greater Manchester Police Detective Inspector Anna Rickards will be honoured with the IAWP Inspiration Award.
PC Nabi’s groundbreaking initiative, Police Bleep in the Community, tackled disproportionate fitness test failure rates among female candidates, especially those from seldom-heard communities. By bringing fitness preparation directly to these communities, PC Nabi improved pass rates from 75 per cent to an impressive 92 per cent, inspiring forces nationally and internationally to adopt her model.
Det Insp Rickards’ award celebrates her “remarkable contributions to advancing gender equality and supporting women in policing”. Chair of the Association of Women for Greater Manchester Police, she implemented IVF and fertility guidance for police supervisors, ensuring protected time off for officers during medical appointments.
IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “The IAWP is honoured to bring together officers from every corner of the world here in Glasgow.
“Whilst we focus on professional development to progress all law enforcement agencies, we also celebrate the achievements and bravery of those who put themselves between the public and harm all over the world. As the global environment changes, so do the demands on police officers and this conference helps them stay at the cutting edge of police development.
President Jaeger added: “We have around 45 countries represented in their full uniform as officers arrive on the first day of the conference (September 8). This is a show of strength for modern policing with women at the fore.”
The conference will run throughout the week at the SEC, offering delegates the chance to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of policing together.