Born: c. 1874 (Waterford, Ireland)
Died: 1952 (Melbourne, Australia)
Biography:
Madge Irene Connor (c. 1874 – 12 October 1952) was an Irish-born Australian police officer, who was the first woman to become a member of Victoria Police, and the first policewoman in Victoria, when she was appointed as a police agent in October 1917.
Early Life:
Connor was born in Waterford, Ireland around 1874. While there are differing versions of her name and date of birth, the Australian Dictionary of Biography suggests that she was possibly born on 14 November 1874. Her father, John McCarthy, was a mariner and tragically lost at sea when she was only two years old. Following his death, she went to live with family in England before emigrating to the United States and ultimately settling in New Zealand. At the age of 16, she met and married Edward Connor (O’Connor), an English-born laborer, and the couple eloped to Melbourne, Australia.
Police Career:
Connor’s life took a turn in 1916 when her husband suddenly passed away. His death caught the attention of Victoria Police, leading to an investigation. It was during this time that Connor’s potential as a police officer became evident. Later that year, she began working for the police force, where she initially focused on investigating illegal gambling activities. She even went undercover, residing in a boarding house to gather evidence against a notorious criminal.
In a time when women’s roles in law enforcement were severely limited, Connor joined the ranks of a small group of female agents known as police agents. This position was essentially a type of special constable, with reduced salary, no powers of arrest, and no uniform or weapon. However, Connor’s dedication and success paved the way for progress.
Connor soon took on a leadership role, heading a group of female agents and watch-house matrons. She passionately advocated for the appointment of women to Victoria Police, and her persistence paid off. On 12 November 1924, she and three other female police agents were officially sworn in as police officers, granting them equal pay and arrest powers. This marked a significant turning point for women in law enforcement in Victoria.
Despite her accomplishments, Connor faced challenges within the police force. Due to certain regulations, she lost her senior status and was considered a junior officer. She was ultimately forced to retire on 14 November 1929. Unfortunately, as she had not served the mandatory fifteen years as a sworn officer, Connor was ineligible for a police pension. Nevertheless, she continued to utilize her detective skills as a private investigator.
Legacy and Demise:
Madge Connor left an indelible mark on the history of women in policing in Victoria. Her determination and dedication to breaking gender barriers paved the way for future generations of women in law enforcement. She challenged societal norms and stereotypes, proving that women were equally capable of serving and protecting their communities.
After many years of service, Madge Connor passed away on 12 October 1952 at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. Her contributions to law enforcement and her role as a pioneer for women were not forgotten. In August 2017, Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville and Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton unveiled a plaque at Boroondara General Cemetery in Kew, commemorating her significant role. Furthermore, in November of that year, a statue of Madge Connor was unveiled at the Victoria Police Academy, further cementing her status as a trailblazer for women in policing.