Move to promote female officers

Women are under-represented at senior levels in the police

Scotland's police forces are launching a campaign to improve their record of promoting women, which is said to be the worst in the UK.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) said it recognised that women are still under-represented at managerial level.

One in five constables in Scotland is female but the number of women in senior posts does not match this ratio.

Half of Scotland's police forces have no women above chief inspector level.

And only two forces have women in the senior chief officer ranks.

Scotland is said to be behind the rest of Britain where progress seems to have been quicker and easier for women.

Greater flexibility

Women make up 8% of superintendents and chief superintendents in England and Wales while in Scotland that figure is 3.5%.

A total of 9% of inspectors and chief inspectors in England and Wales are female while in Scotland that figure has dropped to 5.7%.

The plan to get more women into top police jobs is backed by information from a police working group, the women's development forum.

It said that female officers are demanding greater flexibility and a better work/life balance.

Part timers can suffer discrimination, it said.

If you can see people who are in positions of rank who have family then that actually sets examples to others Superintendent Angela Wilson

Superintendent Angela Wilson insisted: "There are instances where part time staff have heard themselves referred to as the part timer. They no longer seem to have a name.

"They are also seen as being a bit of a nuisance because it's more difficult to manage them because they don't come in at the same time as their full time colleagues.

"They often find they don't get the same access to training and development opportunities because it's seen that if you're part time you're not entitled to training."

Supt Wilson said officers with family should serve as an example to others.

She said: "If you can see people who are in positions of rank who have family then that actually sets examples to others. They will think if that person can do it, I can do it."

Scottish National Party MSP Linda Fabiani has led calls for a major change in the way women officers are treated."

She said they are unable to break through the glass ceiling.

Ms Fabiani has welcomed the action plan but warned there was no quick fix.

Female Chief Constable

Central Police Assistant Chief Constable, Norma Graham, said: "I've had a very interesting and varied career, where I've always felt I was able to make a difference and to make my contribution.

"But I am aware everyone's experience has not been as positive."

The police chief added: "I would be wary to say I haven't faced hurdles, but I think everyone does when they are trying to achieve a great deal in an organisation and make a difference."

Asked when Scotland might see its first female chief constable, Chief Inspector Andy Morris said: "How long's a piece of string? I don't think it's too far away."