Phyllis Sigsworth – a Soroptimist for over 55 years – spoke about her long career in the police force. She is now a member of SI Slough Windsor & Maidenhead Club, and we also welcomed two of her fellow club members to our April meeting.
Initially, she worked as a civilian clerk until she was old enough to be employed as a police constable in 1950. Training included drill, first aid, life-saving, self defence, and learning the law. The police mission is to protect life and property, and to detect and prevent crime.
Phyllis spoke about the many changes she has seen over the years. When she joined the police, women made up 5% of the establishment. Today 46% of constables are women. We are all familiar with the modern hi-vis uniform, bristling with equipment. Phyllis described her dark uniform, plus whistle – no truncheon, no handcuffs, and went on to tell us of escorting two women prisoners on a train journey which involved changing trains en route. All three arrived safely at their destination.
An early arrest was of a man indecently exposing himself. in a public park. To maintain proof, she escorted him by taxi back to the police station, while he was still in a state of undress.
Phyllis rose through the ranks to Chief Superintendent, and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. She finished her career as Assistant to the Chief Inspector of Constabulary at the Home Office.
We all enjoyed her very informative and entertaining talk, before moving on to our AGM.
Since our meeting in April 2019, her memoirs have been collated in a book “From the Beat of a Heart to the Heart of Power which was published in October 2020. All profits will go to DASH (Domestic Abuse Stops Here). https://thedashcharity.org.uk/