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In 2014, one in three officers in West Midlands Police is a woman. But at the outbreak of World War One there were none.

Evelyn Miles became the first woman officer in the force; then called Birmingham City Police.

She was appointed as assistant matron in 1916, and within months was promoted to police officer. In 1918, she became a sergeant. Many of the city鈥檚 male police officers were themselves ex-military, and so were recalled to the front.

After the war, there was a reduction in the number of female police officers in Birmingham and across the country. Despite this, Evelyn managed to retain her role, and oversaw a department of women officers.

By 1935, there were 17 woman officers in Birmingham.

Location: Steelhouse Lane Police Station, Birmingham B4 6NW
Image: Evelyn Miles, courtesy of West Midlands Police