When Patrols were started, there was a very strong feeling that there
ought to be women police, a much needed change in our country. We had
none when war broke out, but in September, 1914, Miss Darner Dawson
founded the Women Police Service. When members joined they were
trained in drill, first aid, practical instructions in Police Duties,
gained by actual work in streets, parks, etc. They studied special
acts relating to women and children and civil and criminal law and the
procedure and rules of evidence in Police Courts.

Their first work was done in Grantham where, in November, 1914,
the Women's Central Committee of Grantham elected a Women Police
Subcommittee to provide a fund for the payment of two Police Women to
work with the Chief Constable. In February the following letter was
written about their work:

"To the Chief Officer, Women Police,--I understand that there
is some idea of removing the two members of the Women Police
now stationed here. I trust that this is not the case. The
services of the two ladies in question have proved of great
value. They have removed sources of trouble to the troops in a
manner that the Military Police could not attempt. Moreover, I
have no doubt whatever that the work of these two ladies in an
official capacity is a great safeguard to the moral welfare of
young girls in the town.

(Signed) "F. HAMMERSLEY, M.G., Commanding 11th Division, Grantham."

and in November, 1915, they were made official Police by the City
Council. In July, 1916, the Police Miscellaneous Provisions Act was
passed, which encouraged the employment of Policewomen by stating that