Sexist officers in the PSNI will be dealt with through a tough internal complaints system, a top female officer pledged today.
Assistant Chief Constable Ms Judith Gillespie, who was turned down twice before being accepted into the ranks, insisted discrimination was not rife in the force.
But as the Police Service of Northern Ireland launched its first Gender Action Plan to strengthen female numbers, she accepted some officers may be guilty of derogatory remarks.
Ms Gillespie said: "Of course there are individuals who might express sexist views but that's reflective of society.
"It's about dealing with them. We have a grievance procedure to deal with issues like that and it's very important that's effectively policed."
As the most senior woman in the PSNI, she described the new strategy as an attempt to dismantle any barriers to progression.
The number of female recruits has almost doubled since 2001, taking their quota up to 18 per cent of the overall staff.
With the Northern Ireland Policing Board having set a target of 26 per cent by 2010, police chiefs said they were determined to make the service as representative of society as possible.
Ms Gillespie, who hopes her success will inspire other women, urged them to have the confidence needed to rise through the ranks.
"It's about going for promotion at the earliest possible stage," she said.
The action plan has been developed to monitor and address emerging issues relating to recruitment, retention and deployment of female officers and staff.
As well as ensuring they have equal choice and opportunity, issues identified include under- or over-representation in certain areas, the type of work undertaken by a woman, recruitment and the work/life balance.
Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the Policing Board, claimed the initiative could provide a vital breakthrough.
He said: "Historically, attracting and retaining women within policing has proven difficult and this new Gender Action Plan presents a number of innovative recommendations developed by the PSNI to deal with retention issues.
"Creating a workforce which is representative of, and reflects the diversity of, the population will not only assist the PSNI in maximising its potential, but also demonstrates fairness, respect and equity of treatment in dealings with the community."
PA