Police and Fire chiefs speak on International Women's Day

These are the words of North Wales Police’ Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman as the force marked International Women’s Day – a day which is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women as well as bringing attention to issues such as gender, equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

The Chief Constable and Dawn Docx, Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service – both of whom are the first female leaders in the police service and fire and rescue service here in North Wales - spoke out as part of the day.

Chief Constable Blakeman, who is also President of the British Association of Women in Policing said: “When I first joined policing, it was very much a male-dominated environment. 

"A lot of the things I found challenging was the balance of having a family and being a Mum and being a Police Officer. 

"The way policing was done didn’t accommodate at all the need for flexible working or the need for changes to shift patterns, so that time was really challenging and tiring. 

Dawn Docx, Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (Image: North Wales Police)

"But we now offer a greater opportunity for people to be able to give and serve and be the important person they want to be in their families’ lives.

“I would also say that some of the support I’ve had has been from my male colleagues – the people that have supported me the most and the people who have made me realise my potential, haven’t necessarily been other women. 

"It has been male colleagues who have seen that ability, believed in me and backed me. 

"So, I do think there’s a real support out there for making sure that we have that balance that gender brings and the difference that gender brings.”

When asked about what has changed over the years CFO Docx said: “When I was younger I used to have to think I needed to be as tough as any man, work twice as hard as a man and had to be three times as dedicated. 

"It’s taken me a while to realise I don’t have to pretend to be something I’m not. I just must be me, to be an authentic leader and to do my best."

She went on to encourage women to join the Fire & Rescue Service, adding: “If you want a career that really means something; if you want to keep people safe, or be there in their worst hour of need, then join us in the Emergency Services.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day, several women in North Wales Police also spoke about their contribution to the force.

Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst is based with the Operational Support Services and has responsibility for the Roads Crime Unit and Drone Team. 

She said: “I’ve been a Silver Public Order Commander since June 2023 and have now commanded several events including football and protests in force. It was an honour to command the recent Wrexham v Bradford game with Chief Superintendent Sian Beck as Gold, along with PC Julie Williams as my tactical advisor and Bethan Hewitt as Event Planner.

“In addition to the Silver Public Order Commander role I am a Tactical Firearms Commander (TFC), Regional TFC trainer and CTSECO. 

"Hopefully in being seen performing such roles I and my colleagues can function as role models to show other females, particularly working mums such as myself, that they too can perform these roles.”

PC Sarah Hughes-Jones of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Wrexham said: “I work within this team of female officers who make up part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Wrexham City Centre. 

"We are committed and extremely proud of the role we undertake in our community on a day-to-day basis.  We work with partnership agencies to reduce crime, provide high visibility reassurance, and engage within the communities we serve."

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman (Image: NWP)

Lou Roberts, Digital Communications and Engagement Assistant and Specials Inspector for the Eastern area said: "My role within Corporate Communications is so different to anything I’ve done before, and I absolutely love it. 

"I’ve always had an interest in media and photography which my role allows me to be creative with. 

“In 2020 I joined as a Voluntary Police Officer in Flintshire South to see the operational side of Policing, which is hugely different from my desk job! 

"I’ve really enjoyed being able to see what it’s like on the front line, supporting operational colleagues, helping local communities, and developing my own skills. 

"Last year I took on the role of Special Inspector for the Eastern area covering Flintshire and Wrexham."