On the 28th July, 1917, two women, Mrs Madge Connor and Miss Elizabeth Beers, were sworn into Victoria Police as “agents”.  They did not possess police powers of arrest and did not wear uniform.  After Miss Beers resigned, Miss Nell Davidson joined Madge as the only two serving policewomen in Victoria.

It was not until September, 1922 that the number of policewomen was increased to three by the appointment of 41 year old Mrs Mary Cox and in 1923 the ranks increased to four with the appointment of 45 year old widow, Mrs Ellen Cook.  For two years the four women agents set about establishing with certainty the need for policewomen and their achievements were recognised on 12 November 1924 when the four “agents” were re-appointed to the Victoria Police with full constabulary powers, including the power of arrest.  They were given the same wages, hours and pension rights as policemen.

No further policewomen appointments were made until 1929 when another four were enlisted.  The fact that over 200 applicants sought the four positions indicates the attraction to adventurous young women of the day.  For women, initiation into the police force consisted of on the job training with detectives.  In 1942 when the number was increased to 12 policewomen they underwent a four month course of training at the St Kilda Road Police Depot.

Some of the anniversary committee gathered together serving and retired members, so in October 1993, the Past and Present Women Police Association (PPWPA) was formed, with Sandy Langlands, elected as the first President.  The membership of the Association includes serving and veteran female members of any policing jurisdiction within Australia, Victorian Public Service members, Protective Security Officers, Police Custody Officers as well as women and men who work together with PPWPA members.