Fair Cop: A Century of British Policewomen
Documentary about the history of Britain's female police force, exploring the careers and ambitions of police officers determined to succeed in a profession that never wanted them.
With 2015 marking the 100th anniversary of the first British policewoman being given the power of arrest, this film takes us through the remarkable history of 100 years of Britain's female police force. It explores the individual careers and ambitions of women police officers who, through their bravery and guile, were determined to succeed in a profession that never wanted them. It's a story of class, drive and sheer guts, entwined with a darker side of sexism, snobbery, intimidation and betrayal.
Includes interviews with former policewomen who pushed boundaries in the profession such as Sislin Fay Allen, Britain's first black policewoman, Cressida Dick, Britain's highest-ever-ranking policewoman, Alison Halford, who brought a high-profile sex discrimination charge against the police, and Jackie Malton, who provided the model for Prime Suspect's Jane Tennison. These interviews are combined with fascinating facts and illuminating stories from expert historians and current serving officers who have made their careers in the specialist areas of the mounted police and firearms units.
This is a story about ingenuity and determination as well as law and order. A Fair Cop is a hidden history of our society, depicting a battle of the sexes that masked a battle for power.
Last on
Clips
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Sexism on the job
Duration: 01:21
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The impact of trousers
Duration: 01:36
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Uniforms of the past and present
Duration: 01:34
Music Played
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Uncredited Male Vocal
The Boys of The Old Brigade
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Junior Murvin
Police And Thieves
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Can
I Want More
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Nils Frahm
More
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Cyndi Lauper
Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Production Company | If Not Us Films |
Narrator | Sarah Lancashire |
Executive Producer | David Herman |
Executive Producer | Lindsay Shapero |
Director | Martina Hall |
Producer | Martina Hall |
Production Manager | Lynette Slight |
Assistant Producer | Molly Crossthwaite |
Broadcasts
- Mon 16 Mar 2015 21:00
- Tue 17 Mar 2015 02:05
- Wed 28 Sep 2016 00:00
- Thu 22 Jun 2017 00:00
- Tue 19 Jun 2018 20:00
- Wed 20 Jun 2018 02:30
- Wed 5 Jun 2019 01:00
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Claudia Jessie talks joining WPC 56, a drama about the first female police officers.