Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Kimball (Conservative). It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Thursday, 23 March 2006.

Police: Female Officers

Answer: My Lords, 590 women officers—1.7 per cent—voluntarily resigned in 2005; 589—2 per cent—did so in 2003–04; and 501—2 per cent—did so in 2002–03. The Government are keen to ensure that the police service is able to attract and retain trained, experienced women. A steering group chaired by Hazel Blears has been set up to oversee this work, and new procedures have been put in place to examine the points at which women leave the service, and the reasons behind their leaving.

Secondary information