Leading the way
Women bring valuable skills and perspectives to policing in Ontario, from empathy and communication to quick thinking and strong leadership. With growing recognition of the impact women have in law enforcement, more resources are available than ever to help women thrive and lead in this career.
To support and nurture these traits, various resources and initiatives are available:
Work-life balance
Policing can be demanding, but many services offer flexible scheduling, paid parental leave, and wellness programs to help officers maintain balance and take care of their personal well-being.
ontario women in law enforcement (OWLE)
This organization provides networking opportunities, professional development and mentorship programs tailored for women in law enforcement.
30X30 initiative
Aiming to increase the representation of women in policing to 30% by 2030, this initiative focuses on recruitment, retention and advancement of women in law enforcement.
At its core, policing is about people
While physical readiness is part of the role, modern policing is just as much about how you communicate, listen and lead with compassion. The ability to connect with others, especially in challenging moments, is one of the most important skills an officer can bring to the job.
Strong communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence aren’t just nice to have, they are essential to effective, community-based policing.
If you’re someone who leads with care, who others turn to in tough moments and who wants to make a real difference in people’s lives, this career might be a better fit than you think.
But don’t take our word for it.
Hear directly from women across Ontario who have answered the call and built meaningful careers in policing.
From a young age, I have been driven by a strong desire to help others in any way I can. My decision to pursue a career in policing was not only motivated by this desire but also by my commitment to shifting the perspective society has of police officers. With each interaction, whether with an individual or a group, my goal is to ensure that they leave with a positive impression of their experience. Since joining the force, I have consistently kept this in mind, striving to be a positive presence within the community I serve.
Provincial Constable Kashada Hadaway,
Ontario Provincial Police Service
What makes policing a rewarding career is making a positive difference in people’s lives through helping protect the vulnerable and assisting those in crisis. I believe other women should enter a career in policing as representation matters and women are able to approach calls for service from a different perspective.
Constable Taylor Gollub,
Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service
Every police service needs women in policing! Women are key figures in organizational decision making and are vital in creating balance internally as well as on the road responding to calls. We also need more women in policing to act as role models, so that our young women see that they can do anything they set their minds to.
Constable Sheema Osipenko,
Anishinabek Police Service
I believe other women should join policing because they are a huge asset to the profession. Women have unique prospectives when it relates to certain situations, which can provide comfort to other women in the community.
Constable Shamini Davis,
Halton Regional Police Service
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