Copper Lady: Life in the Met and Lords

Jenny Hilton's memoir highlights the social changes over the past 60 years and the difficulties experienced by a woman in a mans world. She became conscious of sexism and resentment in the force after the introduction of equal opportunities legislation and the loss of their specialist status.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

At the beginning of Jenny Hiltons remarkable 34-year career with the Metropolitan Police, women accounted for less than 1% of the force. Her captivating and insightful memoir delves into some of the significant societal transformations that have occurred over the past 60 years, as well as the challenges faced by a woman in a predominantly male-dominated world. The book vividly portrays the vibrant atmosphere of London during the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing the shifting attitudes towards class and gender within society and the pervasive issues of racism, corruption, and heavy drinking that plagued her colleagues. During her early years in the police force, policewomen were primarily specialized and relied upon by male officers to handle matters such as prostitution, teenage delinquency, and neglected children. However, it was only after the introduction of equal opportunities legislation and the loss of their specialized status that she became acutely aware of the sexism and resentment prevalent within the force.

Hilton's remarkable journey saw her progress through the ranks, ultimately reaching the position of commander. By 1986, she stood as one of only two senior policewomen in the Met, a discrepancy that should have reflected a pro-rata representation of twenty-five. Upon her retirement from the force, she was bestowed with the honor of becoming a life peer in the House of Lords.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398107809