THE achievements of female police staff in Somerset are werec elebrated last week in support o f International Women’s Day.

Avon and Somerset police are toasting the achievements of female officers, volunteers and staff as part of this year’s theme Make It Happen.

In a series of profiles, women across the force have spoken about their career highlights ranging from work to tackle violence against women, to undercove r drug investigations and high profile operations to bring organised criminals to justice .

Assistant Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe is Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s most senior female police officer. As the national lead on domestic abuse, she was the first female to head up the constabulary’s CID department.

Her current area of responsibility span across specialist operations departments, which include serious crime investigation, roads policing, armed policing and counter terrorism.

ACC Rolfe said: “I am proud to work for an organisation that supports women to make it happen.

“From firearms officers to senior leaders, dog handlers to policing motorcyclists, women in our organisation are achieving great things in their careers while work - ing hard to keep our communities safe. The experiences we are showcasing are just a handful of the talented female staff and officers working in the force and their stories show the huge variety of roles women work in.

“During my career from Police Officer to Assistant Chief Constable,Ihave seen old stereotypes around women in policing fade and great steps taken to support women in their careers, with men and women in policing no w working as equals .

“Avon and Somerset police are pleased to support International Women’s Day and this year’ s theme.Ihope we inspire the next generation of women and encourage consideration of a career in policing.”