Good News….More Female Police Officers
MUSKOKA — The OPP has made considerable gains since women were first allowed on the front lines in 1974. However, there are still barriers and challenges waiting to be conquered.
Statistics Canada released a report earlier this year providing an overview of police resources in Canada in 2017. The federal agency found women accounted for 21 per cent of all sworn officers in the country and continue to be increasingly represented in the higher ranks of police services. In fact, 2017 marked an all-time high for senior female officers, capping out at 15 per cent, compared to justMUSKOKA — The OPP has made considerable gains since women were first allowed on the front lines in 1974. However, there are still barriers and challenges waiting to be conquered.
Statistics Canada released a report earlier this year providing an overview of police resources in Canada in 2017. The federal agency found women accounted for 21 per cent of all sworn officers in the country and continue to be increasingly represented in the higher ranks of police services. In fact, 2017 marked an all-time high for senior female officers, capping out at 15 per cent, compared to just 7 per cent in 2007. The regional police force with the highest proportion of female officers was the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary at 28 per cent, with the OPP and the Sûreté du Québec following close behind, each with women accounting for 22 per cent of their police force.
Locally, 28 per cent of the officers at the Huntsville OPP detachment are female, and in south Muskoka, female retention at the Bracebridge detachment sits even higher, at 33 per cent. Newly appointed Insp. Mike Burton said he sees female officers doing everything in Muskoka, from working as community schools officers, to detectives and more, and throughout his career has never taken note that a female in uniform is relegated to any specific role. For him, gender isn’t a factor. Burton added that the number of females at the detachment fluctuates as people transfer and move around the organization; however, the percentage of women has remained virtually unchanged for several years. 7 per cent in 2007. The regional police force with the highest proportion of female officers was the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary at 28 per cent, with the OPP and the Sûreté du Québec following close behind, each with women accounting for 22 per cent of their police force.
Locally, 28 per cent of the officers at the Huntsville OPP detachment are female, and in south Muskoka, female retention at the Bracebridge detachment sits even higher, at 33 per cent. Newly appointed Insp. Mike Burton said he sees female officers doing everything in Muskoka, from working as community schools officers, to detectives and more, and throughout his career has never taken note that a female in uniform is relegated to any specific role. For him, gender isn’t a factor. Burton added that the number of females at the detachment fluctuates as people transfer and move around the organization; however, the percentage of women has remained virtually unchanged for several years.
