The branch equality lead for Suffolk Police Federation has condemned remarks made by an MP that implied female officers appear ‘vulnerable’ when working in pairs.

Emma Arthurs-Newman, who is also a full-time Federation representative, has responded to comments made by Reform’s Sarah Pochin during a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live. 

Reform’s Sarah Pochin speaks on BBC Radio 5 Live

During the interview, Ms Pochin said: “I never feel comfortable actually seeing two female police officers together. I’d much rather see a great, big, strapping male police officer with a female.”

When her comments were questioned, she responded: “No, I think they look vulnerable. But, you know, that’s just my opinion.”

The Runcorn and Helsby MP continued: “There is 100 per cent a place for women police officers. We need them to go out to certain, perhaps more sensitive situations, situations where children are involved, situations where battered wives are involved or battered girlfriends - that type of thing. 

“Of course we need female police officers.”

'Outdated and harmful'

Emma Arthurs-Newman, who has been in policing for 23 years, responded firmly, saying: “Statements like these are outdated, harmful, and fly in the face of everything we’ve worked for in building a modern, inclusive police service.

“They send the wrong message - not just to female officers, but to the public we serve.”

Emma, who plays a leading role in promoting equality across the Force, emphasised that gender has no impact on professional capability.

She continued: “Women in policing are no less resilient, skilled, or courageous than their male colleagues. To suggest otherwise is a disservice to the profession.”

Brave female officers

The equality lead drew attention to this year’s bravery award nomination for Suffolk Constabulary - student officer PC Eva Palmer, who confronted a knife-wielding suspect at a family music festival.

“How can female officers be called ‘vulnerable’ when we hear stories like Eva’s”? Despite having just 11 months’ service at the time, Eva put her own life on the line as she detained the man, who was armed with a Rambo-style knife.

“That music festival drew more than 11,000 attendees. No doubt, Eva’s courage that day was key in protecting the public and potentially saving multiple lives. 

“Representation matters. Our communities are diverse, and our police service must reflect that. When public figures speak in ways that diminish the role of women, they contribute to a culture that excludes rather than empowers.”

Currently, more than 35 per cent of officers in England and Wales are women - a figure that continues to grow as efforts to recruit, retain and promote women in policing gain momentum. 

“As women, we still face challenges. Whether it’s unconscious bias, issues around progression, or the balance between work and family life - female officers often navigate hurdles that male colleagues don’t. 

“That’s why visibility, support and respect are vital at every level.”

Deterring future officers

Emma also highlighted the broader impact of such language on recruitment and retention: “These kinds of comments don’t just offend - they can deter. They make it harder for us to encourage the next generation of women into policing, and they make those already here feel they have to prove themselves twice over.”

Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, echoed Emma’s comments. 

He said: “Equality is paramount to the work we do, whether that’s through educating members of staff, wellbeing initiatives, or policy reviews around flexible working and career development.

“Ultimately, our goal is simple. We advocate for a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace where every officer is judged by their ability - not their gender.”

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