創造機會，激勵下一代女性投身警務工作
YRP signed the 30Forward pledge in 2025, reaffirming our commitment to create a police service that is more gender-diverse and staffed by the talented leaders of tomorrow
The 30Forward Pledge
In fall 2025, York Regional Police was proud to become 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 members 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, by addressing the specific challenges and opportunities for women in law enforcement in Canada. 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.
“Our reason for signing the pledge is transparency, to look at systemic barriers that exist for women in policing, hopefully impact our recruitment strategies, and to look for ways to retain and provide professional development opportunities and advancement opportunities for women in policing,” Deputy Chief of People and Culture Cecile Hammond said.
The 30Forward initiative is inspired by the global 30×30 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.
Research has shown that women in law enforcement face barriers in promotion, flexibility around family responsibilities, gendered performance expectations, retention and a lack of mentorship.
“This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about raising opportunities and inspiring the next generation of policing leaders,” said Deputy Chief Hammond.
Only 20 per cent of sworn members at YRP identify as women, but the 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.
“While much has been accomplished to create greater gender equity at our service, there is more work to do,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “Our commitment continues, to empower women in policing, create opportunities and build a culture where everyone can thrive.”
Inspector Kelly Chester of the Training and Education Bureau, the program’s executive sponsor, said women shouldn’t wait to join the police service.
“The advice I would give women is to apply now, you are ready. Studies show that predictably more women than men don’t apply until they feel they are 100 per cent ready, and let me tell you: You are ready,” Inspector Chester said. “We will get you there, and we will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to be an officer on the road. So again, my advice to you is to go for it.”
Deputy Chief Hammond echoed Inspector Chester’s remarks, saying women should “realize the value” they could bring to policing.
“Being yourself is what we are looking for,” Deputy Chief Hammond said. “We don’t need you to change who you are, we value everything you bring as a woman in this profession.”
The Women’s Symposium
An annual event held at our Training and Education Bureau, the Women’s Symposium provides women interested in policing with a look at what the profession is like and what it takes to succeed as a police officer.
At the 2025 event, held in October, attendees learned about the York Regional Police recruitment process through a comprehensive presentation and took in advice on navigating a career in policing from a panel that included senior female leaders from multiple police services.
The crowd also toured training facilities like the situation room and firing range, learned more about our specialized teams from the Emergency Response, Canine and Air Support Units, and took part in interactive training workshops covering defensive tactics and the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) fitness test—needed to become a police officer in Ontario.
It was a busy day that was well received by the attendees.
“It exceeded my expectations. It was excellent,” one participant said. “They went above and beyond with the interactive activities.”
Fit 4 PREP Boot Camp
To increase to the number of women applying to York Regional Police, members of the Uniform Recruiting Unit launched the Fit 4 PREP Boot Camp, a program which saw success in 2025.
The boot camp offers female applicants the opportunity to train with YRP members in order to prepare for their Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) test and help boost their confidence. To become a police officer in Ontario, recruits must successfully complete the PREP test before graduating from the Ontario Police College.
Over a six-week period, candidates participate in weekly structured fitness training and attend empowerment sessions—delivering catered material for women to learn from the experiences of other women in policing, while also sharing helpful health and lifestyle tips for a career in law enforcement.
On average, participants make significant improvements in both the 20-metre shuttle run, an aerobic test, and the pursuit/restraint circuit, an obstacle course simulating the rigours of police work.
“This makes this program highly effective for helping women to develop their physical fitness and confidence in challenging the YRP police constable fitness standards,” Eric Donaldson, supervisor of the Biological Health Unit and boot camp co-ordinator, said.
As of December 2025, one in two candidates who have participated in the Fit 4 PREP Boot Camp have successfully passed physical testing standards, and one in three have been hired as an auxiliary, special constable or police constable.
Using Social Media to Inspire Women
Since fall 2025, York Regional Police has been sharing stories across our social media channels of female police recruits and police officers in action.
Aligned with the 30Forward campaign, the content aims to inform and inspire women interested in policing, showing the experiences of women officers and what can be accomplished in the policing profession.
“30Forward is an important initiative for us,” Recruitment Marketing Specialist Nancy Huynh of the Recruiting and Staff Management Bureau’s Outreach Unit said. “We want to reflect that diversity on social media.”
“We’re hoping that we can connect with women that are looking for a career in policing, or maybe who haven’t even considered that it could be for them,” Huynh continued. “We want to inspire the next generation of police officers, including qualified and dedicated women.”
Learn more about how we use social media to recruit the next generation of police officers: YRP Uses Social Media to Make Meaningful Connections to Potential Recruits
