MP’s comments on women in policing ‘highly offensive and insulting’ says Federation

Jamie Thompson was responding to comments made by local MP Sarah Pochin on the role of women in policing.

The Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby told 5 Live that she did not feel comfortable when she saw two female police officers together, saying: “I’d much rather see a great big strapping male police officer with a female.”

The MP said that female police officers should be deployed to “more sensitive situations”, such as those involving children or domestic violence.

Mr Thompson said: “We don’t get involved in politics, however, it is highly offensive and insulting to the colleagues I represent to suggest that female police officers are not suitable to be out on the beat. It is something I absolutely reject.

“To suggest that female officers are only suited to one type of job is ludicrous – it is just so out of touch with modern-day policing.”

Policing is a diverse occupation that needs all sorts of people from across society, he said.

Mr Thompson added: “Whilst she is entitled to her opinion, I would invite Sarah Pochin to come and spend some time with my colleagues on the beat, and see what we actually get up to on a day-to-day basis. I think she would be surprised how much all our colleagues, regardless of their gender, get involved in every single day.

“Just a few months ago, we were celebrating the most courageous Cheshire Police officers at our Bravery Awards. We heard about both male and female officers who had saved lives while out on the beat. This happens up and down the country every single minute of every single day.”

Responding to the MP’s comments, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “All of our officers come to work every day with passion, determination and courage to serve their communities.

“There are an increasing number of women who choose a career in policing, bringing with them vital skills and experience that are critical to the progress of policing, our role in society, and keeping the public safe.

“Over a third of our officers and around 40 per cent of our chief constables are women, and we must not jeopardise our progress by diminishing the value and role women play in our workforce.

“There are no roles in policing which women cannot do, and the same exacting standards to qualify are met by all men and women who undertake some of the most challenging tasks of any profession.

“We celebrate that women have an essential and irreplaceable role in every aspect of policing across the UK; policing is at its best when it represents the communities it serves, and our priority continues to be making policing a career where anyone can thrive and make a difference.”