Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Remarks visiting Finchley (Whetstone Police Station)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Finchley
Source: Barnet Press, 24 August 1973
Editorial comments: After visiting Borehamwood Police Station at 1000. There is additional material in the Finchley Times, 24 August 1973: MT said that the police force offered "a very satisfying job with good prospects". Those who wanted more education would be sent to university by the police. Good recruits should be "firm but kindly", she advised. " They have to like people and get on well with people".
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 312

‘Join the force’ advice from Mrs. Thatcher

Education Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher is concerned about the lack of recruits coming forward to join the police force.

During a visit to Whetstone police station on Friday Mrs. Thatcher, MP for Finchley and Friern Barnet, said that there was “a disappointingly low number of local recruits coming forward for the force and it would help if we had more!”

She added that the job was interesting, provided companionship and was an essential part of the community.

While at the station Mrs. Thatcher was escorted round by Chief Superintendent Jim Perry, who showed her the CID office, the administration unit, the cells and introduced her to Special Constable Mrs. Shirley Linsday, who helps the police out generally.

Housewife Mrs. Linsday lives at Northcliffe Drive, Totteridge, and has a teenage son and daughter. She became a special nine years ago because she liked people and found that she could fit in her police work with family life. She was formerly a radiographer.

Mrs. Thatcher also met dog handler P.c. Frederick Packer and his Alsatian, Realm, and an area car crew, P.c.s Arthur Callaby and Edward McAfee.

The Education Minister's visit was to find out what is going on in the area and to get to know the local police and the problems they face. She did emphasise, though, that to do their job effectively the police need maximum co-operation and information from the public.

During the morning Mrs. Thatcher also visited Boreham Wood police station where she was shown round by Commander Vacey Rignell, chief of “S” Division. Later on in the day she opened the Friern Barnet Summer Show in Friary Park—and made a special point of visiting the police recruitment tent in the show ground.