Women and Careers

In 2020, Deputy Chief Cecile Hammond became the first woman appointed to YRP’s Executive Leadership Team. She continues to mentor members across the organization and serve as a role model for women in policing.

“Having people tell me what it means to see me in this position, and that it gives them someone to aspire to, is the most rewarding thing,” said Deputy Chief Hammond.

York Regional Police continues to recognize the value women bring to policing and encourages women to pursue opportunities within the service.

“Don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say you’re ready,” said Deputy Chief Hammond. “If you feel ready, take action. If you don’t shoot, you don’t score.”

York Regional Police is proud to be one of the first police services in the province to sign the 30Forward pledge, committing to a future where at least 30 per cent of our sworn officers are women.

Today, less than 23 per cent of police officers in Canada identify as women. The 30Forward initiative aims to push that number above 30 per cent. 

Research shows that when underrepresented groups reach 30 per cent representation in a profession, they gain the ability to shape culture, drive innovation and influence decision-making in meaningful ways.

The 30Forward initiative is inspired by the global 30x30 initiative, which is working to increase representation of women in U.S. police services and beyond. 30Forward is tailored for Canadian police services, and many have signed on to this pledge to create a fair and inclusive workforce that better reflects the communities they serve. The initiative aims not only to boost recruitment of women but to retain and foster the progression of women officers.

Studies show that women in policing use force less often and are less likely to use excessive force. 

They make fewer arrests for non-violent, lower-level offences and conduct fewer searches during traffic stops, while being more likely to find contraband when they do search. Data also points to better outcomes for victims of crime — especially sexual assault victims — and show women officers are named less often in complaints and lawsuits.

Women in policing face barriers in promotion, flexibility around family responsibilities, gendered performance expectations, retention and a lack of mentorship.

Only 20.23 per cent of YRP sworn members identify as women, but our service has made significant progress dismantling barriers through women-centric recruiting initiatives and programs designed to offer more flexibility and work-life balance for officers. This progress has been accomplished through representation among senior leaders (21 per cent), robust mentoring, and equity-focused organizational planning and training.

“York Regional Police has committed publicly to transparency and examining systemic barriers that exist for women in policing,” said Deputy Chief Cecile Hammond. “This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about raising opportunities and inspiring the next generation of policing leaders.”

Learn more at 30forward.ca.