Joyce RichardsonPrint Page

The plaque commemorates Joyce Richardson O.A.M.

Joyce Richardson began her policing career in 1944, when as a 24-year-old woman she answered a newspaper advertisement calling for Women Police Constables between 21 and 30 years of age. Joyce, who was then employed in the Army Inspection Branch, officially joined South Australia’s Women Police on 24 September 1944.

Between 1945 and 1961, she worked in a variety of country postings at Whyalla, Port Pirie and Mount Gambier.  In June 1961, she was seconded to Darwin, where she established Women Police in the Northern Territory.

Joyce was appointed to the role of Principal in 1965, with the retirement of Constance McGrath. She held the position for nine years until, in 1974, the position was declared redundant with the integration of Women Police and Male Police, and the introduction of uniforms for women.

Upon her transfer to Personnel Branch in 1974, Joyce became the first South Australian Woman Police Officer to be appointed Sergeant.

In August 1975, she spent a fortnight working at Scotland Yard and Guildford Police Station in Surrey to promote the role of Women Police. 

She retired on 31 March 1979, after 34 year’s service to South Australia Police.  During her career, she earned a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, as well as the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977.  In 1990, Joyce was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service to the welfare of the aged.

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