Police-1964-1965 — Page 47

with an overall length of 111 feet; they are equipped with modern aids to navigation and will provide a high degree of comfort for their crews.

EMERGENCY UNITS

190. Each police district has an Emergency Unit manned by Uniformed Branch personnel. Each unit consisting of 3 platoons operating on a 24 hour basis mans patrol cars which are in radio contact with their District Control and can be directed to any incident reported by the police or public. These patrols also deal with incidents as they are encountered and are available to assist beat duty cfficers. In addition to providing prisoner and cash escorts, the units are also a reserve which can be called upon at all times to deal with unexpected disasters or disorders.

WOMEN POLICE

191. During the year the Women Police continued to work in all branches of the Force, with the scope of their duties gradually but steadily expanding. The establishment was 352 all ranks. The activities of the Women Police are completely integrated with those of their male colleagues. As their numbers and experience increase they are developing certain specialist duties some of which are described below. But they are for all purposes an integral part of the Force and receive few or no concessions or favours on account of the 'frailty' of their sex.

192. There was no shortage of applicants for the post of Women Inspector, and the recruiting of W.P.Cs. was satisfactory. As a result of the expansion in recent years, there is a shortage of suitable candidates for the rank of Corporal, but this situation will correct itself as the average length of service of the W.P.Cs. increases.

193. A considerable number of Women Police are attached to Traffic Branch and are mainly responsible for supervision of metered parking places. These officers have, during the year, extended their work concerning traffic education in schools and have been included in the 'teams' specially detailed to detect cases of illegal taxi operation, and of careless driving. Supervising Officers (Inspectors and W/N.C.Os.) of Women Police in Traffic Branch have been trained in motor-scooter riding, and when using these machines have greater mobility, and thus more complete supervisory capabilities. It is hoped during the coming year to train a number of W.P.Cs. in scooter riding in order that a smaller number of officers may be responsible for checking the more scattered metered parking areas.

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