The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) celebrated a significant milestone this week with the unveiling of a new mural at its General Headquarters, marking the 50th anniversary of women in OPP uniform. The ceremony, held on October 30, 2024, paid tribute to the pioneering women who joined the OPP in 1974, paving the way for greater gender diversity within the organization.
The journey of women in the OPP began on May 27, 1974, when 15 female recruits joined the OPP Academy. By June, they had completed their training, graduating alongside their male counterparts as provincial constables. By the end of that historic year, 39 women had taken on the role of constables, becoming the first female officers in the OPP. Since then, nearly 2,500 women have been sworn in as OPP officers, expanding opportunities for women within policing.
Deputy Commissioner Kari Dart, Culture and Strategy Services, reflected on the impact of women’s progress within the OPP, stating, “The Ontario Provincial Police is proud to celebrate and honour the 50th Anniversary of Women in OPP Uniform. By acknowledging the pioneering women who first joined the OPP 50 years ago, and the women who followed in their footsteps, we build pride within our organization, help to remove barriers to enter the service and inspire women to join. We benefit from the lessons learned from the women of the past. Taking the time to document and share their experiences is essential to the success of our collective future. It is the goal of the OPP to create equitable opportunities for people of all gender identities and to reflect the diversity of the society that we serve."
Retired Inspector Irena Lawrenson, one of the first 39 women to be hired as part of the OPP’s early “policewoman program,” shared her perspective on the progress and future of women in law enforcement. “By 1989, I had been promoted three times – from corporal to sergeant to staff sergeant – and the number of women had risen to two per cent. By the time I retired as an inspector in 2005, the number of women was at 15 per cent. Today it’s increased to 21.5 per cent, but far more women are needed in this profession. In order to be effective and progressive in this increasingly diverse world, police services must reflect the communities they serve. Someday I hope to see women make up 50 per cent of uniform officers.”
With a growing number of female recruits entering the ranks each year, the OPP aims to build an inclusive environment and continue honoring the contributions of women to its history and mission. The anniversary mural serves as a reminder of the strides made over the last 50 years and the work that remains to ensure that police services reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
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