TUESDAY, March 8, is International Women’s Day, so my column this week is going to reflect that theme.

Policing has changed considerably in my 26-year career and being a woman no longer presents any barrier, with many of my female colleagues now performing what were once seen as ‘male only’ roles such as firearms, road policing, dog handler and public order.

There are also many women holding senior rank, including my own boss Superintendent Gillian Geany and the Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton.

I would encourage women to consider policing as an extremely rewarding career which provides both variety and challenge.

At the current time, we are actively recruiting special constables, so if you would like the opportunity to learn new skills whilst serving your local community, you can contact us at specialconstabletransformationscotlandproject@scotland.police.uk

We continue as an organisation to tackle violence against women and girls.

Current campaigns include Get Consent, which focuses on sex and content within relationships.

Being in any form of relationship, whether it’s a first date or long-term partnership, does not give you the right to sex without consent.

You can find out about this campaign, including support and information for survivors of rape and sexual crime, on the Police Scotland website.

We increasingly live our lives on social media and through our smart phones.

This allows us to connect remotely with friends and family, which has been a lifeline for many during repeated lockdowns, but can also present risk.

We regularly receive reports of crimes which have happened online, including romance fraud and sextortion.

To get advice and information on keeping yourself and your children safe online, please go to our internet safety page on our website