Phyllis Sigsworth – a Soroptimist for over 55 years – spoke about her long career in the police force.\u00a0\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
Initially, she worked as a civilian clerk until she was old enough to be employed as a police constable in 1950.\u00a0\u00a0 Training included drill, first aid, life-saving, self defence, and learning the law.\u00a0\u00a0 The police mission is to protect life and property, and to detect and prevent crime.<\/p>\n
Phyllis spoke about the many changes she has seen over the years.\u00a0\u00a0 When she joined the police, women made up 5% of the establishment.\u00a0\u00a0 Today 46% of constables are women.\u00a0\u00a0 We are all familiar with the modern hi-vis uniform, bristling with equipment.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0 All three arrived safely at their destination.<\/p>\n
An early arrest was of a man indecently exposing himself. in a public park.\u00a0 To maintain proof, she escorted him by taxi back to the police station, while he was still in a state of undress.<\/p>\n
Phyllis rose through the ranks to Chief Superintendent, and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.\u00a0\u00a0 She finished her career\u00a0 as Assistant to the Chief Inspector of Constabulary at the Home Office.<\/p>\n
We all enjoyed her very informative and entertaining talk, before moving on to our AGM.<\/p>\n