A former police officer, who has dedicated over 50 years of her life working for the Met, has been commended by the Commissioner for her long service.

Maggie Price was just 19 years old when she joined up in 1969 and has remained a member of the Met Police Service ever since.

As a Woman Police Constable, she says her role looked very different back then.

When Maggie first started in Kingston, the uniform worn by female officers consisted of a tight knee length skirt, cape and handbag.

Her male counterparts could also be somewhat overprotective, such as ordering her to not go into a pub on her Bow Street beat to break up a fight.

Commissioner of the Met, Cressida Dick, said:

“She started at the Met at a time when policewomen were something of a 'novelty'. It was a different time. But she has overcome any obstacles that were in her way and gone on to have a varied and fascinating career. It was great fun and a privilege for me to congratulate her here at New Scotland Yard.

“There are very few people who have served London for over 50 years and I am extremely proud of Maggie’s achievements, as she should be.”

Over the years, Maggie dedicated much of her time as an officer to first aid, becoming an instructor to ensure that all officers were equipped with the skills they might need.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, she also helped the Met win the national police first aid competition three times and scooped the best individual award in 1979.

In the latter years of her service, Maggie worked as a detective constable in the National Identification Service where she became an expert in foreign convictions.

In 2019 she was runner up of the Women in Policing ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and has been a core member of police staff since 2005, working within the vetting unit.

Reflecting on her achievements, Maggie said:

“If you had asked when I was 19 if I would still be here aged 70, I’m pretty sure my answer would have been no, but here I am!”

“I haven’t loved every minute…just most of them! I’m honoured that the Commissioner personally asked to meet me and it was great to share some stories with her.”