West Yorkshire Police: Mary Ethel Danby, our first female Police Officer
- last year
Mary was one of the first female Police Officers to join West Riding Constabulary. She joined the Force in May 1925, having worked previously as a civilian clerk in the criminal investigation department.
When Mary joined, Police Forces nationally were male dominated and the opportunity for women to join Police Forces as officers was only recently introduced.
Prior to this, there were no opportunities for women to become police officers. Following a family of police officers, Mary joined the Force and successfully progressed through the ranks, through to Chief Inspector.
She was later promoted to Superintendent becoming the first woman to hold the role outside of the Metropolitan Police.
During her career, Mary was awarded the British Empire Medal by King George VI and worked through Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.
When Mary joined, Police Forces nationally were male dominated and the opportunity for women to join Police Forces as officers was only recently introduced.
Prior to this, there were no opportunities for women to become police officers. Following a family of police officers, Mary joined the Force and successfully progressed through the ranks, through to Chief Inspector.
She was later promoted to Superintendent becoming the first woman to hold the role outside of the Metropolitan Police.
During her career, Mary was awarded the British Empire Medal by King George VI and worked through Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.