Women have been an important part of the Calgary Police Service for over 25 years. When joining the Calgary Police Service, women can be assured of two important points:

1. Women receive equal pay for equal work
   
   The Calgary Police Service offers women officers equal pay for equal work. All male and female officers follow the same pay scale.
   
   
2. There is no “glass ceiling” at the Calgary Police Service
   
   The Calgary Police Service can boast of having the first female Chief of Police of all major police services in Canada. Female officers are currently found in almost all ranks of the Calgary Police Service.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES

Women also face unique challenges on the road to becoming a police officer. These challenges include:

Passing the physical fitness test

While women typically lack the upper body strength of men, those that train properly for the physical fitness test do not usually fail. Women are encouraged to strengthen their upper-bodies through a strict program of push-ups, pull-ups and exercise with free weights. To determine your level of fitness necessary to pass the physical fitness test, honestly answer the following statements:

• I am able to perform at least five continuous minutes of vigorous physical exercise without feeling exhausted or over-stressed.
• I can lift and carry a 100 lb. weight with control over a distance of 50 feet.
• I can perform 15 to 20 push-ups (full length, pivoting from the toes) without stopping.
• I can vault (using my hands and feet for assistance) over a one-meter barrier.
• I can broad jump at least six feet.
• I participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least two to three times a week.

Police work and family responsibilities

Juggling the commitments of police work and the responsibilities of a family is not easy. However, many female police officers have proven it can be successfully done. Women who make the decision to enter the Calgary Police Service while they have children at home do so for the long term security and benefits the Service provides for its families.

For a single mother, the commitments of police work present some difficult challenges. However, single parents have succeeded in policing with careful planning and the support of their family and close friends. Remember, the rewards of being an officer in the Calgary Police Service is well worth the initial difficulties a person may face.

Constable Wendy Medwid has faced the challenge of balancing her home life and her professional career with the Calgary Police Service. Read about her experience below:

“When I received my degree in Journalism and Communications in 1987, I never would have guessed I would eventually become a police officer. However, after three years working in the public relations field, I decided I wanted to try something different, and the Calgary Police Service looked like an exciting and challenging career opportunity.

I was 25 years old and single when I joined the Service. But within a few years, I was married and had two beautiful children, who changed my priorities. I now needed a position within the Service that would allow me to focus more attention on my family.

After the birth of my first son, I joined the School Safety Unit, which allowed me more time with my new family. After the birth of my second son, I decided to job-share, and have been job-sharing in the Youth Education and Intervention Unit.

The Calgary Police Service has been a great employer. They’ve worked with me to find positions in policing that accommodate my professional goals and the desire to spend time with my young family…


OTHER QUESTIONS

1. Is being a police officer dangerous?

As with any other law enforcement career, being a police officer can be dangerous. However, the CPS invests a great deal of time and money to train its officers to react effectively to any situation, and provides them with the best possible equipment to carry out their duties. Officer and public safety are paramount in the Calgary Police Service.

2. How are women accepted in law enforcement?

Women have been working side-by-side with men in policing for over 25 years. During this time, women have become an integral part of every aspect of the Calgary Police Service. Indeed, the CPS can also boast of having the first female Chief of Police of all major police services in Canada. Furthermore, women police officers are fully accepted by their peers and the public for their skills and abilities.


For more information or to speak to a female officer on any other concern you have, contact the Recruiting Unit at (403) 206-8483 or attend one of the Monthly Information Sessions held by the Recruiting Unit.