The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) celebrated a significant milestone this year—50 years of women in policing.
Staff Sergeant Catherine Braceland of the Norfolk OPP reflected on this achievement and shared insights into her own journey within the force.
With the idea of joining the police fresh in her mind, she found inspiration in the encouragement of a positive female influence who pushed her to go further, solidifying her decision to embark on this career path.
Sgt. Braceland expressed deep gratitude for the trailblazers who broke barriers and opened doors for women in policing.
For her, this milestone is not just a celebration of the past but a call to action to ensure that opportunities for women in law enforcement continue to grow.
Looking back over the past five decades, Sgt. Braceland acknowledged the remarkable progress women have made in policing.
From initial steps to break into the profession to now holding leadership positions and excelling in specialized roles, these achievements highlight the critical contributions women bring to law enforcement.
She also emphasized the importance of community engagement, particularly for female officers.
Whether at local events or during foot patrols, being visible in the community is essential.
Seeing female officers interact with the public helps youth—and especially young girls—envision themselves in similar roles, fostering a sense of possibility and breaking down outdated stereotypes.
This milestone serves as both a celebration of the progress achieved and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure equity and representation in the force.
It’s a moment to honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations of women in policing.
Written by Matt LeBlanc