I WOULD like to respond to Councillor Tom Wareing's continuing belittling of women police officers and their role in frontline policing (Advertiser, November 12).

Firstly, I will point out that I am not a 'militant feminis'" nor am I in any way connected with the police.

I am, however, a 6ft 5in tall strapping male.

If I were to be out in the town centre and it started to turn ugly, I would hope any police officers who attended would be calm and able to defuse the situation without having to resort to physical means whenever possible.

It would not matter to me if those officers were male or female as long as they were able to do their job quickly and efficiently.

As pointed out in your front page report, all police officers are trained in the best way to deal with a situation. The fact is that if things did get out of hand, then there would be plenty of back up to support any officer in dealing with the problem.

If Mr Wareing feels we should send in a group of 'large strapping males' every time there was a potentially violent and dangerous situation, perhaps he ought to consider every war that has ever been fought.

In most cases, these were fought between two groups of large strapping males and we all know what the results of war are.

Aggressive behaviour will only ever breed aggressive behaviour.

To the police force, on behalf of all law-abiding citizens, I would like to thank you all, male and female, for your continuing endeavours to make safe the world that I am bringing my young daughter up in.

Please do not think for a minute that Mr Wareing represents everyone in this county.

Steve Lengden

Mercot Close

Oakenshaw South

I WRITE to express my outrage at the recent comments of County Councillor Tom Wareing.

He advocates more "strapping male police officers" on the streets of Redditch, (Advertiser, November 5) and goes on a week later to describe those who find his comments offensive as 'militant feminists'.

He tells the story of Sir Charles Rafter employing strapping Irish Officers to sort out brawls in Birmingham. He conveniently forgets to mention Sir Charles was Chief Constable in 1916!

I am neither militant, nor a feminist but I have to say I still see no place in modern society for such outmoded, misogynistic remarks.

It is now 2003 and about time Mr Wareing realised this is the 21st century and his attitudes belong, thankfully, in a bygone age.

It's not the height or weight of a police officer that commands respect, it's the presence he or she carries in his or her bearing.

There are many male officers of slight build and small stature who are equally willing to put their corporeal forms into the fray on a daily basis.

I notice Mr Wareing has declined the invitation to patrol with a female officer, claiming he will be in the way.

My feeling is he realises he is wrong but hasn't the physical or moral courage to admit it.

STUART THORPE

Glebe Road

Alvechurch

I WOULD like to comment on the article about women not being in frontline police work.

I strongly disagree with County Councillor Tom Wareing and support Chief Supt Davenport.

Surely, if Mr Wareing had noted Chief Supt Davenport's high rank in the force, he would have considered her capabilities and abilities in the field of policing.

Additionally, various studies have concluded women handle certain situations better than males.

Studies show women handle domestic abuse situations much better than men. Not to say men couldn't but women's 'strengths' are also apparent in their communication and negotiation skills.

If Mr Wareing is too scared to accompany a female officer on a ride along then he will just have to accept that women are more than ever capable of being excellent officers.

More power to women.

LUCIE MORAN

Lake Drive

South Milwaukee, WI

USA