Hi All

I would like to wish everyone a really Happy New Year. I feel incredibly privileged to be in the position I am in, its an honour.

As I am sure you are aware, we are coming to the end of our centenary celebrations for Women in British Police and there have been some wonderful presentations and events around the country where the undeniable efforts of women officers past and present have been celebrated.

It is now 'onward and upward' and we need to grasp the momentum and continue to drive towards the future, both for the UK and abroad where women's status within policing is less secure and harder fought.

In the UK, and personally speaking, I have found (in my almost 27yrs ) that the time that I was most successful was when I was most determined. I believed in my own abilities and as I looked around at those in the positions and ranks I wanted to fulfil, I knew that I could at least be as good or in most cases better than them. This isn't arrogance, but confidence. I can honestly say that I have never achieved anything on the back of anyone else's work and know that I have stayed true to my values.

Its important, as women police officers ascend up the ranks that they continue to look behind them and pave the way for the next generation of women officers who are also determined and committed to make that leap.

As a coach and a mentor, I take this position and responsibility very seriously. I provide time, space and opportunities to those who I feel have the resilience and skill to attempt to reach these goals. This is not a completely selfless act, anyone who is able to mentor or coach will know. Seeing the light going on and the officers realisation that their self perceived potential was far lower than they are actually capable of, is incredible.

If you don't do it already, try it. Mould the next generation, be an active part of the future of policing.

have a great year

with kindest wishes

Annita Clarke

Welcome Annita Clarke

NEW IAWP Region 13 coordinator is Annita Clarke.

Just a note to say farewell as Region 13 coordinator. I've had a great time and got to know some of you when you came to conference or Board Meeting etc.  Its been great representing you all on the Board and at various events in Europe.  I hope my replacement, Annita, has as much fun as I have had.

Meanwhile a reminder to all UK members- the Motor Source Group offers amazing discounts on new and used cars as well as earning IAWP £100 for each sale!  I'm just buying a new Golf through them and they have been very helpful. I know others have used them and we all agree, you can't get cheaper than their offers.  TRUE!  Go to www,motorsourcegroup.com for more details. And don't forget to mention IAWP when you make your enquiry.

My very best wishes for your future and hope to see you if not in Cardiff, then Barcelona next year.

All the best.

Julia

Summer 2015

Ladies

I do apologise for not updating the blog for months, but as you know I am conference co-director for Cardiff  IAWP2015 training conference.  So I am more than a little busy.  Please forgive me for having my mind and time occupied with other issues.  However if you need something, please email me on jaeger_julia@btinternet.com. 

This will be my last blog as regional coordinator for region 13.  After 6 years I'm moving on.  I feel it is more appropriate that a serving officer should do the role and I've been retired 4 years now, so I'm getting out of touch with current Policing.  Its been a fantastic 6 years where I've represented IAWP in various conferences and  met some fantastic policewomen & support staff from all over the world as well as Europe.  Its certainly a role worth considering if you want to develop IAWP membership and have a passion for women in law enforcement.

My successor is Annita Clarke, 2013 IAWP Officer of the Year and a serving Inspector in Bedford, UK.  She will be at Cardiff and so take the time to meet her.  By the way there's still time to register if you haven't booked a place.  Over 500 policewomen from all over the world have registered already.  So if you've never been to an IAWP conference before, now's the time to come as it the first time in Europe for 10 years.  And here again next year in Barcelona.  Twice in two years - so no excuses!   I am staying with IAWP being the Recording Secretary for Board meetings for the next 3 years.  So still around and supporting Annita.

Meanwhile some news from the last 6 months.  The Early Board meeting took place in a very snowy Denver USA in February. Minutes are on the main IAWP website. A team went to New York for the UN's annual CSW women's conference to speak on human trafficking.  Featuring Jane Townsley and Patience Quaye from Ghana with others. 

I attended the annual awards Luncheon for British Association for Women in Police and met some extraordinary women.  I had the privilege of submitting all the winners to IAWP for their annual awards and know there will be some amazing women in Cardiff to be honoured for their outstanding performances.  Sorry - names are embargoed until conference.  But why not submit someone next time who you think is performing above average or has done something extra special?  We can always advise you how to fill in the forms and I know it works!

So I'm signing off now for the last time.  I wish you a long and happy career.  Enjoy it and keep up the IAWP membership so you are connected with some of the world's most fantastic policewomen.

Best Regards,

Julia Jaeger