An Appeal for Volunteer Policewomen.

This interesting letter appeared in the British Nursing Journal on 21st April 1917. An appeal for volunteer police women between the ages of 27 and 40 as men were being called up. The training period of three months seems very short, but I suppose that a shortage of police necessitated in quick measures being taken.

POLICE AND PATROL: WORK FOR WOMEN VOLUNTEERS.

To the: Editor of THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING.

Madam, - I am venturing to ask for permission to appeal once more through your columns for recruits for the work of Policewomen and Patrol-leaders. The depletion of male Police Forces, and the urgent need of combating the evils which sap the vitality of our country are creating a wide demand for women in Police Forces; and I am confident that if Women Volunteers could see the applications for Policewomen, Patrol-leaders and Paid Patrols which reach this School alone, and which, alas, we are too often obliged to refuse for lack of candidates, they would throw to the winds all doubts as to the need for such work, and would offer themselves in much larger numbers.

We want well educated women between 27 and 40, tactful, sympathetic and strong, with experience, initiative and common sense, for the work to be done must, in these initial stages, owe its value largely to the individuality of the workers. We charge no fee for training, which covers a period of three months and comprises police-court attendance, patrolling, report-writing, case-investigation, drill, first aid, etc., and though the cost of maintenance nominally falls on the candidate during the course a salary is sometimes paid her during the third month of it, whilst training grants are available for special cases. Previous experience in Patrol or Social work may also count as part of the course, and so curtail its length.

The salaries of Policewomen, etc., range from 30s. to £2 10s. a week, uniform being usually provided by the Appointment Committee. Volunteers are asked to write for details, stating age, height, experience, etc., to the Director, 814 Queen’s Road, Bristol.

I am yours faithfully,

D. O. G. PETO,
Director.
Bristol Training School for
Women Patrols and Police.
81A, Queen’s Road, Bristol.