‘A sisterhood’: conference brings together women in law enforcement

In law enforcement agencies across Canada, men typically outnumber women  — in fact, statistics show less than 20 per cent of police officers in Canada are female.

This week, 150 women from across the Atlantic provinces and Ontario are in Halifax for the 24th annual Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement conference.

“Women are still in the minority in the law enforcement community and in policing and when we bring them together in a forum like this, we’re in the majority. It’s a nice change,” said Sgt. Carolyn Nichols, an 18-year veteran of the Halifax Regional Police and president of Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Women are still in the minority in the law enforcement community and in policing and when we bring them together in a forum like this, we're in the majority. It's a nice change," said Sgt. Carolyn Nichols, an 18-year veteran of the Halifax Regional Police and president of Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement.

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Those participating in the conference are from municipal, provincial and federal policing agencies as well as customs and border services.

The goal is to discuss what progress and problems they face, and work on initiatives to help recruit and retain women in law enforcement.

“When we do come together like this, it does give us a chance to talk about those things and it gives us a forum where we become a support for each other, a support system, a sisterhood if you will,” said Sgt. Nichols.

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The conference addresses serious topics ranging from human trafficking to terrorism. It also opens the discussion on job sharing and maternity benefits; two things women say they continue to struggle with.

“I believe as a woman in law enforcement it’s tough to balance that. Typically, women are the caregivers and it’s hard to move forward with your career as well as your family. So for a lot of women it’s about the work-life balance and trying to succeed and making it successful,” said RCMP Const. Susan Camus.

Earlier this month, the RCMP apologized to thousands of former and current female officers who allege they faced harassment, bullying and discrimination in the workplace. The Mounties also set aside $100 million in compensation.

The apology is considered a step in the right direction, but women in law enforcement say they still face serious issues.

“Discrimination is still happening. There’s no ifs ands or buts about it,” said Sgt. Nichols. “I think it’s important for us as women in the law enforcement environment to come together and to stand together. This is the reason we formed Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Discrimination is still happening. There's no ifs ands or buts about it," said Sgt. Nichols. "I think it's important for us as women in the law enforcement environment to come together and to stand together. This is the reason we formed Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement."

The conference wraps up on Friday in Halifax.