Justice Secretary Angela Constance has said she is concerned about the falling number of women joining Police Scotland.
Of the 581 probationers in the force in 2023, just 181 were female. In 2021, it was 287 of 624.
The plummeting numbers come amid concerns over sexist and misogynist attitudes in the service.
As revealed by The Herald last week, a three-year probe found "deeply embedded outdated attitudes that contribute to a hostile environment towards women within the service.”
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The report by the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Independent Review Group (IRG), established in the wake of a damning report looking at police complaints by Lady Elish Angiolini, was sneaked out by the force last month.
Tory MSP Tess White raised the review during justice questions in Holyrood on Wednesday.
“The number of female probationers in Police Scotland has nosedived by almost a third since 2021,” she told MSPs. “A damning independent report into the force’s so-called equality, diversity and inclusion activities was quietly published by Police Scotland last month.
“It found ‘pervasive attitudes of misogyny and sexism across all areas and divisions.’ It also describes ‘a hostile environment for women who may choose to leave their careers early.’ “The SNP Government cannot look the other way, and alarm bells are ringing.
“How will the Scottish Government hold Police Scotland to account, to ensure that it creates a safe space for female employees?"
A damning new report into Police Scotland has highlighted the 'misogyny', 'sexism' and 'hostile environment' that female staff must contend with.
— Tess White MSP (@TessWhite4NE) September 18, 2024
There has been alarmingly little scrutiny of the review's findings, despite how serious they are.
The SNP? Not at all interested 👇 pic.twitter.com/YakGoeSBzE
Ms Constance said it was for the “Scottish Police Authority to hold Police Scotland and the chief constable directly to account.”
She added: “On the substantive issue that Ms White raises about the decreasing number of female probationers, I share that concern.
“I was pleased when Police Scotland opened up its site in Jackton as another recruitment centre in addition to Tulliallan.
“The member may be aware that Tulliallan is a residential training facility for probationers.
“The purpose of Jackton is to allow people to train to be police officers on a non-residential basis. I hope that that will help to increase the diversity of the workforce.”
The minister said progress had been on tackling “the cultural aspects” raised by Ms White.
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