The newest member of the Sundre RCMP detachment encourages women who are interested in policing to consider pursuing a career path serving community and country.
“Women should not be afraid to apply and get themselves into the RCMP,” said Const. Codi Lewald, who at the end of March began her first post with the RCMP in Sundre following her graduation from Depot in Saskatchewan.
Although Lewald believes women should be offered equal opportunity as men for the chance to join the ranks of the RCMP, progression along the hierarchy should be merit-based, she said.
“Whoever is best suited for the job should be doing it.”
Having once considered unattainable a career in law enforcement, which she has always been interested in, Lewald said she started to become more serious about the possibility in 2016.
“At the end of my university degree I took a course on interpersonal violence. It was something I felt passionate about and wanted to get myself involved in. Policing seemed like the right path for that,” she said.
So she embarked upon the rigorous RCMP training program and graduated on March 19.
“Depot is the most intense training in terms of police forces. It is six months of gruelling physical fitness, advanced driving training, police defensive tactics, firearms training, police sciences and drills,” she said.
Lewald was one of two women in her troop. For about 10 weeks there was another, but she said that cadet ended up failing pistol as well as fitness qualifications which should not deter any others who are considering a career path in policing. However, the commitment is not one to be taken lightly, she said.
“If a woman was interested in joining the RCMP, the first thing I would suggest is to start working out. Women are built differently than men and therefore fitness is a way bigger struggle for women,” she said, adding stereotypical perceptions remain a challenge to overcome as some people still seem to interpret her as less of an officer because of her sex and size.
“I would definitely encourage any woman to join the force as women and men have different skills and abilities.”
According to an RCMP press release, policewomen from constables to commissioners have been providing significant contributions to the organization since 1974.
“They have a positive impact on the community while enjoying vast opportunities for growth and development in dozens of specialized units,” the statement reads.
“At present, 21.5 per cent of RCMP police officers are women. The RCMP is committed to increasing the number of female officers to 30 per cent to better represent the communities we serve across the country.”
Looking down the line, Lewald said she is considering eventually specializing with police dog services.
“But right now I am interested in just dipping my toes and seeing what I really enjoy in the job.”
To date, that has largely been the people she meets on a daily basis.
“Having a good community relationship is important to me,” she said.
Having relocated to Sundre to be prepared to go on call when required, Lewald expressed a fondness for the area.
“I love Sundre. I love the small town and the people who live here. The West Country is beautiful and offers so much.”
