WOMEN POLICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22172, 27 July 1935, Page 2 (Supplement)

WOMEN POLICE

NEW YORK'S PATROL ARMED WITH REVOLVERS INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE On this, the Glorious Fourth, the city's women police, in their new uniforms, are an attractive sight, writes the Herald's special correspondent' from New. York, on July 4. Their uniform consists of a blue serge skirt, double-breasted blouse, with gilt buttons and belt, blue forage cap, and black, low-heeled shoes. On parade they made a splendid impression. Tho force numbers 140 polico and patrols. One hundred are in the Bureau of Policewomen, commanded by Mrs. Mary Sullivan; forty aro in the Crimo Prevention Bureau, under Inspector Costuma. Tho patrols were established during the war, to do duty in parks and public places, where soldiers and sailors congregated. At that time they were in plain clothes. They did useful detective work, securing evidence against illegal practitioners of medicine, or reporting on dance halls and theatres. Policewomen are mostly married, with children. They are admitted to the forco as physically perfect, or as nearly so as women could be. Vision, hearing, muscular strength and intelligence are rated high. Many were • teachers, nurses, social workers and secretaries. They carry 32-calibre servico revolvers, and report regularly tor target practice at police headquarters. They receive thorough instruction in the Police Academy, as male recruits do. At tho end of three months' probation, they aro submitted to a final examination.

The present ago for applicants is up to forty years, but the age is to be

limited to between 21 and 29 years, as is the case with i<;ale recruits. As far as salary is concerned, patrolwomen and policewomen are on the same basis as patrolmen. They receive 2000 dollars in the first year, rising by annual increments to 2500 dollars in the fifth year. Mrs. Sullivan receives 4000 dollars a year, with the rank of lieutenant. She has had extensive experience in police work.

Although New York has tho largest force of women police in the world, there aro no intermediate grades in rank. London, on the other hand, has a woman captain in charge, with lieutenants and sergeants. Washington and Cleveland provide for ranks up to captaincy. New York policewomen and patrolwomen are entitled, as are the men, to retire on pension after twenty years' service, and on reaching tho age limit.