Bayshore News File Photo
Owen Sound Police is joining an initiative focused on recruiting and retaining women in policing.
The 30 Forward Pledge is an international initiative building upon the 30×30 Pledge of increasing women’s representation in policing by 30 per cent by 2030, by looking beyond the next five years.
Owen Sound Police says 24 per cent of its ranks are women, and 40 per cent of new recruits in 2025 were women.
Police Chief Craig Ambrose says, “Owen Sound is proud of the fact that we have long welcomed women into the sworn ranks of our service and value the contribution they make to the community and to the policing profession. Continuing with this commitment we are proud to join the 30 Forward Pledge; a Canadian initiative committed to creating a more inclusive future for our members and the community we serve.”
Owen Sound Police add research has shown women in policing use less force, are the subject of fewer complaints, and are more trusted by survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“This does not mean OSPS will be lowering standards. It does not mean men won’t be hired. And it does not mean women will be hired if they are not qualified. What it mans is that OSPS will be actively encouraging more qualified women to apply. Currently only 10 per cent of police officer applicants to OSPS are women. By increasing this number, OSPS will have a large pool from which to select the more qualified, capable and dedicated candidates – both men and women,” says Owen Sound Police in a release.
Owen Sound Police add this initiative reaffirms the service’s commitment to recruiting more women as well as aim to identify and address any cultural and systemic barriers which could impact the promotion and retention of women.