A 95-year-old woman has looked back fondly on her time as Perth’s first female police officer.
Minnie Clark, who joined Perth City Police in April 1942, watched the latest round of officers passing out at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan today.
The pensioner, then Minnie McLaren, had to leave the force three years after starting because she got married and police regulations only allowed single women to serve.
Minnie recounted her duties on the beat, which included patrols, office duties and “female and child enquiries”.
“Times have changed, there was no drug crime then, it was mostly alcohol related, theft or breach of the peace,” she said.
“I wish all the new recruits good health and hope they enjoy their police service.
“It is a very rewarding occupation, though can be rather dangerous.”
Minnie took her place next to inspecting officer Malcolm Graham for the march past of 201 officers.
After the parade Minnie was presented with a framed copy of her police personnel record by ACC Angela McLaren.
Ms McLaren said: “It was a privilege to meet Minnie and hear about her experiences of being a police officer.
“Luckily, the women passing out today can look forward to a much longer and fairer career than Minnie was given the opportunity to have.
“It has been an honour to have Minnie at the passing out parade, women like Minnie absolutely helped pave the way for female police officers today.”
