‘Deeply offensive’: branch chair condemns ‘damaging’ remarks made by MP

23 July 2025

Jess Davies, the chair of West Midlands Police Federation, has expressed deep offence and disappointment in response to comments suggesting that pairs of female police officers appear ‘vulnerable’ and less capable than their male counterparts.

The remarks were made by Reform’s Sarah Pochin, during a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live. She stated: “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.”

Runcorn and Helsby MP Sarah Pochin on BBC Radio 5 Live

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.

Jess, who has been in the Force for 20 years, was quick to respond.

Deeply offensive and completely inaccurate

“To suggest that female officers are inherently ‘vulnerable’ or need to be paired with a ‘strapping male’ is not only deeply offensive, it’s completely inaccurate and undermines the professionalism, skill and bravery of the women who serve in policing,” said Jess.

“Women officers perform every role in policing - from firearms units to major crime investigation - with the same dedication and effectiveness as their male colleagues.

“Comments like these belong in the past, not in today’s public discourse.”

Jess also drew attention to this year’s national Police Bravery Awards, which saw multiple female officers recognised for their courageous actions.

Bravery awards recognition

“Just a few weeks ago, I attended this year’s Bravery Awards - a night that honours dozens of police officers across England and Wales, many of whom are female,” continued Jess.

“We saw body cam footage of a female officer putting her own life on the line, as she stopped a man armed with a knife from causing further harm.

“We heard of another incident, in which a female officer pushed a man - who had set himself on fire - off a chair and rolled him on the ground to put out the flames. That officer, whose jacket began to melt in the process, suffered burns to her hands and lips.

“Our officers, regardless of gender, put themselves in harm’s way daily to protect the public. Their courage and competence should never be diminished by outdated and ill-informed opinions.”

Jess added that the potential harm such statements could cause to morale, public confidence and aspiring police officers.

“Remarks like these don’t just insult individual officers, they fuel damaging stereotypes that can deter women from joining the Force and erode the progress we’ve fought so hard for.”

Currently, women make up over 35 per cent of police officers in England and Wales - a figure that continues to rise as forces work to reflect the communities they serve.

The West Midlands Police Federation continues to advocate for equality, respect, and representation at all levels of the service.