WOMEN POLICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 101, 2 May 1938, Page 8

WOMEN POLICE.

DOMINION SCHEME.

APPOINTMENTS SOON.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER. " CAN BE OF GREAT HELP." (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLTXOTOX. this day. The Government lias decided to establish a system of women police for the Dominion. A statement to this effect was made by the Minister in Charge of the Police Department, the Hon. I'. Kraser, when a deputation representing the women's branch of the Wellington Labour party waited on the Prime Mini -tor, (he Rijjht Hon. M. .f. Savage, and himsolf this lnorniuj*.

Mr. I'Vaecr, in replying to the deputation, said lie appreciated the importance of the question* tlmt had been raised Mince lie had been Minister of Education and Health. He had had one or two deputations on the matter of women police. He instanced the larpro amount of research work that had been done by the- Department in connection with women police, and said that they had to look into the powers of police matrons. Though the regulations provided other duties, the main work of matrons was to look after unfortunate women prisoners in custody. It seemed to him, after giving tlie matter careful consideration, that the time had arrived when steps, should be taken to recognise women police as part of the police system in the Dominion.

Speaking about the police force generally, Mr. Eraser said it had developed into a groat social service in the country districts. Apart from the prevention of delinquency and crime, there were a thousand and one other services that the police must give, and were giving, to the Dominion. In this connection lie would like to express hie appreciation of tho work of the- police in Hawke'rt Hay dur'm/r the recent llood. He :il~n paid a tribute tn the aero clubs and Air Force, which had brought food t«. isolated people.

Mr. Kraser said that when applications were called for women police, women who apply will have fo come up to Ihe proper standard of health ami education. and will have to go through a good course of training.

"I am forced by facts to the conclusion that I long ago reached in my own mind that women police can be of great help <o the police force and to society in this country." Mr. Praser «aid. "1 , would like to say that, like most other* jobs, the successful discharge of these responsibilities depend-; on the women chosen. The Government can create the jobs, and, .is the result of my discussion with Mr. Savage some time ago. I am pleased to announce that women police will be appointed as soon as possible. ,.