Senate Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska honored Stanisława Paleolog, the first female graduate of the Polish Police Officers’ School, highlighting her role in organizing the women’s police force and her service in the Polish resistance during World War II.
The Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Tomasz Siemoniak, announced the creation of a commemorative medal featuring Paleolog’s image - an initiative proposed by police historians and discussed with Poland’s chief of police.
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession
On February 26, 1925, Interior Minister Cyryl Ratajski ordered the formation of a women’s police unit to address crimes against women and children.
At the time, the police force was seen as a strictly male profession, and women faced significant obstacles in joining. The newly established brigade, led by Stanisława Paleolog, focused on enforcing public morality and hygiene regulations.
Strict requirements for early female officers
Becoming a female police officer in the early years was not easy. Candidates had to be single or widowed without children, between 25 and 45 years old, and commit to remaining unmarried for ten years.
In 1935, Poland introduced a standardized uniform for female officers, featuring a trench-style jacket, a long skirt, a white or blue-gray shirt with a tie, and knee-high lace-up boots. Despite these formal steps, by 1939, only 170 women served in the police force - just 0.5% of all officers.
Women in the Polish police today
A century later, women now make up 21% of the Polish police force, with 38,000 serving officers.
They work across all divisions, from patrol to forensics and leadership roles. Female officers undergo the same recruitment process as men and wear identical uniforms, except for the option of a skirt in formal attire.
The centennial celebrations highlight the progress made over the past hundred years while recognizing the contributions of the trailblazing women who paved the way for future generations in Polish law enforcement.
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Source: IAR/PAP/Senat RP/X/@PolskaPolicja/@CBSPolicji/@PolskiSenat