The Saint John Police Force is taking a step towards improving diversity and representation within its ranks by launching its first female-focused Recruitment Camp.
The upcoming Recruitment Camp, scheduled for May 22 at Saint John Police Headquarters, is designed to inspire women to explore careers in law enforcement.
This initiative builds on the success of the police force’s first diversity-focused recruitment camp, held in May 2024 as part of a broader 2022-2027 recruitment strategy.
Their long-term plan aims to sustain diversity and address the community’s changing demographics, and so far, has brought 25 new officers to the force, including five women and five visible minorities.
Participants will take part in hands-on activities, interactive sessions, and direct conversations with officers.
The camp also highlights the diverse roles women hold within the police force, from uniformed patrol to leadership positions in specialized units such as criminal investigations and Internet Child Exploitation.
The Saint John Police Force said they currently have 28 female officers serving in various roles across the organization, including supervisory and leadership positions.
Women represent around 23 per cent of all police officers in 2023, according to Canadian statistics.
Chief Robert Bruce explained that the focus on inclusion and diversity is central to the force’s mission.
“Our goal is to create a police service that reflects the community we serve,” Bruce said.
“By offering opportunities like this Recruitment Camp, we are fostering a stronger, more inclusive team to meet our community’s needs.”
The police force explained that women’s roles in policing have evolved significantly since the early 1900s.
This was when Saint John Police hired its first female members, known as “matrons,” who were limited to secretarial tasks and assisting with female prisoners.
By the 1970s, female officers began performing the same duties as their male counterparts, such as working in patrol cars and wearing uniforms.
The Recruitment Camp will provide participants with a behind-the-scenes look at the diverse career opportunities within the force.
