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In June 2023, the Transit Police Community Safety Officer (CSO) program launched with a swearing in ceremony of 10 peace officers. As that first class of CSOs ended their 17 weeks of training, a new class of 10 more CSOs were sworn in and are now getting ready to deploy to the transit system. Working within uncharted territory where expectations loom large, the 20 CSOs add a new layer of safety on transit. Five of these 20 pioneers are women.
“I wasn’t sure I’d be a good fit, but after speaking to a few officers, I realized that it was a role that could provide me with a sense of purpose, and an opportunity to serve the community and be part of a team. And, after speaking with the recruiting team, I was able to see myself as someone well suited for the role.”
Bayley
Between the five of them, CSOs Bayley, Renée, Shaylene, Navi and Dani bring an astounding amount of experience and education to the department. All together they hold three Bachelor degrees and two diplomas. They bring diverse work experience with them that ranges from municipal road work, to processing prisoners, healthcare security to fast-paced corporate demands. One thing they all have in common though is a devotion to community safety, demonstrated through countless volunteer hours.
“I have experienced what it is like to work with offenders serving sentences in a prison setting, so I use the communication skills, problem solving skills, and leadership skills I gained and translate it into my day to day duties as a CSO”
Navi
Some of the women of the CSO program, to small degree, felt hesitation while applying or training for the CSO role. There were concerns related to their smaller stature compared to their male counterparts, the misconception that they lacked needed experience, and concerns related to outdated stereotypes about working in law enforcement. But, as training went on, these all melted away.
“I would advise women considering a career in law enforcement to prioritize good physical fitness. The POPAT is a challenge! And to make connections with other women in the field. With support, you can break through gender stereotypes and showcase what you are capable of!”
Shaylene
In learning to deal with volatile situations, taking on physically demanding tasks, and putting their skills into practice on the transit system, all of the CSOs, male and female alike, have excelled. Today, they are regular fixtures on the transit system.
“A female officer brings different skill sets to situations on how they view, experience, communicate, and discover situations.”
Renée
Although they work in a role that’s brand new to Transit Police, when it comes to finding women to serve as mentors and role models, the women of the CSO program don’t have to look far. Leading the CSO program is Sergeant Katie Narduzzi. Katie started her law enforcement career with the BC Sheriff’s Service in 2005 before joining Transit Police as a recruit constable in 2015. In guiding the CSOs, she has lots of leadership experience to draw from, including designing a training program for the, then newly-formed, Nunavut Sheriff Service, and mentoring new Transit Police detectives.
Katie has seen a lot of positive changes take place in policing during her career, including uniforms and equipment that are designed with women in mind, and an increasing number of women in higher ranks to gain inspiration from (including Transit Police’s own Chief Officer, Suzanne Muir). In no small part due to Katie’s leadership and direction, the CSO program has flourished.
“I know that once you start researching about this job and preparing for the applications, it can feel overwhelming. If you feel like this is the right career for you, don’t let that stop you.”
Dani
The CSO program is currently accepting applications. Everyone who meets the criteria is encouraged to apply, including women, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, individuals who identify as Indigenous, and members of any other groups who may have historically not felt like a career in law enforcement was an obvious choice. Learn more: transitpolice.ca/cso
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