OPP signs 30Forward pledge

By Lee Griffi

The Ontario Provincial Police is joining the 30Forward initiative, a program aiming to increase the representation of women in policing.

Inspired by the 30x30 initiative, 30Forward is a Canadian movement dedicated to recruiting, retaining and advancing women in policing. By signing the pledge, the OPP is committing to working toward women representing 30 per cent of its uniform officers.

In 2024, approximately 1,300 women were serving in uniform roles within the OPP, which is approximately 21.5 per cent of uniform members.

Oxford OPP media relations Const. Randi Crawford said, while she is not formally on the organizing committee, she is actively involved in supporting the program through media and recruiting events.

“I am always hopeful when new initiatives are started. Anytime there is something new, it usually catches the attention of a lot of people. I’m hopeful that it catches the attention of possible new female recruits.”

She added the campaign will help break down the stigma that policing is still more of a masculine career.

“Women are going to be able to see more women with personalities similar to their own doing great things in policing. I think focusing on getting females interested in a career with us and talking about transferable skills they already possess can really open some minds and create some interest and excitement for some women.”

As part of Crawford’s role with the OPP, she helps organize and schedule attendance at career fairs and makes herself available to take phone calls and emails from members of the community interested in policing.

“I mentor female auxiliary officers and cadets as they navigate opportunities in the organization. But I think the most important role I play is by trying to be the best role model I can possibly be. Being a female police officer with great family, friends, colleagues and community partners, I try to lead by example.”

She added she cares for the community and tries the best she can, personally, to apply positive interactions in her career as a police officer.

“By truly loving what I do and sharing that passion with others, I hope to inspire other women around me to fall in love with the career as well.”

Crawford said she feels the OPP will eventually reach the 30 per-cent target in the future.

“I think we can. We aren’t too far off. I have seen the number of women in policing increase greatly since 2011 when I started in Halton and 2014 when I joined OPP.”

She also wants people to realize even though there is a push for hiring more women, they are also pushing to hire in general.

“We need more people with good morals who are hardworking and mentally and physically strong; people who care about the safety of themselves and others and who truly want to make a difference in the communities they serve. It’s not an easy career, but it is a rewarding one.”

In addition to enhancing recruitment strategies for women, the OPP said it is committed to identifying and removing barriers that may inhibit increasing representation across all ranks, including leadership roles.

“The OPP has long held the view that when we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, we are in a better position to respond to their safety needs and concerns. Signing on to the 30Forward initiative is a step closer to achieving this goal,” a press release said.

"The OPP is pleased to partner with 30Forward and renew our commitment to creating opportunities for women in policing,” added OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique in the release. “Every woman who joins policing helps build a future where the next generation sees no limits on who can serve"

Deputy commissioner Kari Dart said women belong in policing because their voice, perspective and leadership make the profession stronger.

“30Forward provides the OPP the tools and network to strengthen opportunities for women within the organization."

30Forward is a Canadian initiative that invites police leaders to make clear, measurable commitments to support women throughout their policing careers. More information is available at www.30forward.ca.