The Royal Barbados Police Force for the first time enlisted four women in May 1950. The rules and regulations which were in Force for the male members were applicable to the females on enlistment. Women Police form an integral part of the force. They are Police Officers and have the same powers and responsibilities as Policemen.
They specialize however in work for which they as women are best suited. i.e work with women and in particular children and young people.
Their specialist duties include:
- duties in connection with women and children reported missing or found wandering, destitute or homeless and with children ill-treated or neglected;
- taking statements from and dealing with women, girls and children who have been witnesses or victims in cases of indecency or sexual offences;
- executing warrants upon girls and women;
- observations on women prisoners detained in hospital; and
- detective duties in regard to all types of crimes committed by women, girls or children and plain clothes observations in connection with various types of crimes and other offences.
As the number of women police swiftly expanded so did the nature of their duties. Women police were posted and working in specialist units such as the Criminal Investigations Department, Narcotic Section, Special Branch, Canine Branch, Motorcycle Corp, Mounted Branch and the Police Band.
