Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 July 2002. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Thursday, 11 July 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent progress has been made in improving the gender balance in the Police Service for Northern Ireland. - Inc figures and ref to section 48 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent progress has been made in improving the gender balance in the Police Service for Northern Ireland. [67336] Jane Kennedy: At 1 November 2001 there were 931 (12.9 per cent.) female officers in the Northern Ireland police service. Since recruitment to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) began on 4 November 2001, this figure has risen to 1,012 (14.9 per cent.) female police officers (as at 1 June 2002). Particular effort is being made to increase female representation in the PSNI, through targeted recruitment advertising and the organisation of familiarisation days for women. In addition, section 48 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 requires the Policing Board to make an action plan for monitoring the number of women in the service and for increasing their numbers if they are under-represented.

Secondary information