LANCASHIRE police have established the first Senior Women Detective's Network (SWDN) in the country.

The move has been welcomed by Lancashire’s Police Federation, who say the network will help provide more role models for their female members.

The SWDN, which celebrates its first anniversary this month, was borne out of the success of the Lancashire Constabulary Women's Network and was established formally in June 2008 after the need to have an informal support network was identified by female Detective Inspectors within the force.

Historically, there have been difficulties in recruiting women to specialist senior roles, and this network provides the opportunity to share experience, advice and best practice on an informal basis.

Detective Inspector Jill Johnston from the Public Protection Unit at Blackburn said: “The network has been extremely supportive to me,particularly so when I made the transition into an investigative role.

“Prior to 2007 my career had been predominantly in uniform and when I made the decision to pursue the role of a Detective Inspector, I tapped into the contacts I had formed with the Senior Women's Detective Network who provided me with valued advice and guidance along the way.”

John O’Reilly at Lancashire Police Federation said: “Although the network members are more senior than our members, they will provide more role models for women officers progressing through the ranks.

“There have been certain problems with the recruitment of officers, for example when women take career breaks to have a family, and we can only welcome this move.”

The network currently has 15 members ranging from the rank of Inspector up to Chief Superintendent who attend the meetings, and it is also open to colleagues who are currently in acting roles.

The meetings are every two months and take place across the county.