The original concept behind hosting "Forces of Fashion" on International Women's Day 2013 was that our progression as women in law enforcement can be visually illustrated by the changes in our uniforms. You be the judge!
When women were originally hired into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, it was not permitted for a woman to wear the iconic Stetson Hat. She was issued a fur hat (held by officer on far right) or the pill box style hat featured second from the right. Officers now (center and to the left) proudly wear the same uniforms as male officers, including the beautiful Red Serge and Stetson.
The Winnipeg Police Service did issue uniforms to women before some of the other police agencies in Canada. However, working in skirt and low pump was not very practical for front line work. It was not until 1974 that women in the WPS were given pants and the same uniforms as males. Now we enjoy proper fitting tactical vest and street uniforms (officer on right) as male officers.
Proud officers of the Dakota Ojiway Police Service in Manitoba are provided with uniforms for daily work (right) and for ceremonial occasions (left). These women travelled over two hours, along with the Chief of the DOPS, Chief Paulson, to take part in the display of uniforms.
One of my favorite and most proud IAWP moments is the Annual Parade of Nations because of the many uniforms on display. Watching all of the law enforcement officers, federal corrections, provincial corrections, Brandon Police Service, and all the agencies named above, was a true IAWP Proud moment for me!
Please see your next copy of Women Police for further pictures of the Brandon Police Service and more about this event.
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