Female officer numbers in Calgary up 37% since 2015, but promotion barriers remain

More women are becoming police officers in Calgary, with the number growing nearly 37 per cent since 2015, but advocates say full acceptance into the profession remains a work in progress.

Statistics Canada updated its annual police personnel data on May 21, revealing that while women now make up less than a quarter of all Calgary Police Service officers, the increase occurred as the male officer population stayed relatively flat at around 1,700 over the past decade.

Staff Sergeant Angie Tetley with CPS's recruiting outreach team said the force actively encourages women to join. "Sometimes women question their abilities," Tetley said. "We have, in recruiting, been putting some effort into encouraging women and promoting the profession of policing to women."

The force launched its Women's Recruiting Bootcamp four years ago, an application-only, one-day event at CPS headquarters where 36 selected participants experience fitness testing, equipment familiarization, and use-of-force tools. Tetley said participants consistently leave "exhausted, completely worked to the core, [but with] massive smiles on their face."

The CPS also hosts weekly information sessions addressing barriers women face before applying—concerns over physical demands, childcare, and time off. Tetley said the force has found success recruiting athletes from local and out-of-province universities. "Women who play in high-level team sports, the transition from athlete to officer is very smooth," she said.