Born: 21 November 1876 (Oxton, Birkenhead)
Died: 26 June 1923
Biography:
Edith Smith (21 November 1876 – 26 June 1923) was the first female police officer in the United Kingdom with full power of arrest. Smith’s pioneering work as a policewoman paved the way for other women to join the force, breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms.
Born on 21 November 1876 in Oxton, Birkenhead, Edith Smith was the daughter of James Smith, a nursery and seedman, and his wife Harriet. She grew up as one of six children and led a relatively ordinary life until she embarked on her groundbreaking career. In 1897, she married William Smith, a stationer and tobacconist, and together they had three daughters and a son. The family experienced tragedy when William passed away in 1907, leaving Edith to care for their children on her own.
In 1911, the census revealed that Smith had relocated to London and was undergoing training to become a midwife. At this time, her daughters attended different schools, and her son resided in an orphanage near Blackburn. Following her training, she took on the position of a matron at a nursing home, where she likely gained valuable experience in caring for and assisting women in need.
Smith’s journey into law enforcement came in 1914 when she joined the Women Police Volunteers (WPV). Founded by Nina Boyle and Margaret Damer Dawson, the organization aimed to contribute to the enforcement of law and order, particularly concerning women’s issues. However, tensions arose within the group, and in February 1915, Boyle left the WPV due to disagreements over its anti-prostitution stance. Dawson went on to reform the organization, renaming it the Women’s Police Service (WPS) and assuming leadership. Smith remained with the WPS, dedicated to her mission of upholding justice.
In a significant moment in history, in August 1915, Edith Smith became the first woman police constable in England with full arrest powers. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the recognition of women’s capabilities within law enforcement. As a policewoman, her primary responsibilities involved handling cases involving women, particularly focusing on reducing the number of prostitutes in Grantham who were drawn to the area due to the nearby army base.
Smith’s commitment to her work was evident in her role as a qualified nurse, which she also incorporated into her duties as a policewoman. Remarkably, she earned 28 shillings (£1.40) per week, more than the oldest male police constable in the force, as her responsibilities were deemed most onerous. In recognition of her skills and dedication, her salary was increased to £2/10/– (£2.50) per week in April 1917.
During her tenure, Smith displayed a remarkable commitment to upholding law and order. In 1916 alone, she cautioned 100 wayward girls in larceny cases and dealt with 16 intoxicated women and 15 intoxicated girls. Ten prostitutes were convicted, while ten were handed over to their parents and 50 received cautionary warnings. Smith’s efforts were evident in her observation that The appointment has made such a vast difference – the prostitutes have found that it does not pay, and the frivolous girls have bowed down.
Not only did Smith’s impact extend to her local community, but she also traveled around Britain, giving talks about women’s policing at conferences and authoring pamphlets. During the First World War, the legitimacy of policewomen was often questioned, leading to inconsistencies in their status and authority. While some chief constables embraced innovative ideas, others remained conservative, highlighting the need for a more unified approach to women’s roles in law enforcement.
Unfortunately, Edith Smith’s outstanding career came to an untimely end. After working seven days a week for an extended period, she felt compelled to leave the WPS, which had been renamed the Women’s Auxiliary Service after the war. It is believed that the demanding nature of her work took a toll on her health. Tragically, she passed away on 26 June 1923, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in women’s policing.