OPP Women Initiative drives more female students to college program

by Dale Cabuquin

An OPP-driven push to recruit more women to the police force has resulted in an increase in female students enrolled in college law enforcement programs, according to a local police recruitment officer. 

Last year, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) requested female students from different educational institutions to apply as provincial constables through the OPP Women’s Initiative program. 

According to Shernett Williams, manager of diversity and inclusion and recruitment officer for the OPP, they welcomed 96 students through December and January.  44 of whom attended one or more information sessions. 

“Feedback provided by candidates indicated the approach of female-focused dialogue and experiences has been extremely informative and increased their motivation towards a policing career,” Williams said.   

The OPP asked for five to 10 students from St. Clair College to join the recruitment program. Eleven students submitted their applications.   

Third-year Police Foundations student Malory Cole is one of the 11 students who applied to the OPP Women Initiative.  

“Taking part in the OPP Women’s Initiative really helped me to get input from other women who are in this career which is what I want to do with the rest of my life,” Cole said. “It was great to hear different aspects and some challenges that they’ve had along the way. It really inspired me to keep pushing.”  

Chair of Community Studies Biagio Lattuca expressed pride in the college’s collaboration with the OPP to promote diversity in law enforcement.   

“Obviously, we love diversity and we love that women want to be a part of this trend in this growing community of police force in Windsor-Essex county,” Lattuca said. “We all know there’s a need in there.”