Women in policing in the United Kingdom
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Women in policing in the United Kingdom began as early as December 1915 amidst the First World War.[1] As with other countries, police forces in the UK were entirely male at the start of the 20th century. Their numbers were limited for many decades, but have gradually increased since the 1970s. In England and Wales, 31.2% (40,319) of police officers were female on 31 March 2020. Previously, policewomen made up 28.6% in March 2016,[2] and 23.3% in 2007.[2] Women also make up a majority of the non-sworn police staff. Notable women in British police forces include Cressida Dick, the former commissioner (chief) of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Until 1999, women in the police had their rank title prefixed with the word "Woman", or the letter W in abbreviations (e.g. "WPC" for Constable); this construction is still sometimes used in the press and by individuals.[3][4] From 1919 until January 1993, female officers' warrant numbers also came from a different series from male officers'.[5]