Becoming the Diversity We Once Lacked
Cindy Huynh patrols the streets of Vaughan as a York Regional Police constable, but her role on the frontlines is about more than enforcing the law — it’s about breaking barriers. Growing up, she always wanted to help people and serve her community, yet the path to policing wasn’t simple. As a woman entering a male-dominated profession and the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, Huynh faced cultural and societal expectations that made her dream feel far away.
After earning her degree from the University of Toronto, she volunteered as an Auxiliary Constable with Toronto Police 51 Division. Today, Huynh brings that same determination to her work with York Regional Police, hoping to be the diversity she wished she had seen in the service growing up.
On the frontlines, her identity as a queer woman of colour gives her a unique perspective. She strives to make people in her community feel comfortable by being someone they can relate to. That connection allows her to navigate interactions between police and the public with empathy, helping to repair the bond between police and the communities they serve.
Rabia Noor, an ER registered nurse who interacts with police almost daily, says female officers like Huynh bring a distinct level of care and empathy to patients. Sergeant Mina Rahravan stresses that the police service must reflect society itself — half of whom are women — and she gives a heartfelt nod to the trailblazing women who paved the way for officers like Cindy Huynh.
Huynh has become a role model for women and specifically for Asian Canadian women in law enforcement. She has spoken openly about the hardships she faced as a female officer, including on podcasts and leadership tours, where she discussed breaking into a male-dominated profession. For Huynh, policing isn’t just a career — it’s a lifelong calling: to serve, protect, and inspire others to follow their purpose, no matter the barriers.
A Guardian’s Journey
Cindy Huynh was born and raised in Ontario, growing up in a vibrant Vietnamese family. From an early age, she dreamed of becoming a police officer, even as her parents were hesitant about the idea.
She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Before policing, Huynh explored a variety of careers — from tech to HVAC to sports entertainment, but none offered the impact she craved. Determined to serve her community, she joined the Toronto Police Service as an Auxiliary Constable with 51 Division, volunteering her time and solidifying her passion for policing.
Huynh worked tirelessly to earn her bike patrol certification, cycling through Toronto to help keep her community safe. She has since been part of major events like the Santa Claus Parade and the CNE, bringing her energy and dedication to every role. A staunch advocate for women and the LGBTQ community, she proudly represented her identity as a police officer at NYC World Pride in 2019, breaking barriers and showing the power of representation.
Her path to becoming a full-time constable wasn’t easy. Multiple rejections tested her confidence and resolve, but Huynh’s resilience never wavered. In 2023, she officially joined York Regional Police, fulfilling a lifelong goal and proving the value of persistence.
Cindy Huynh’s journey inspires women to challenge expectations and pursue careers often seen as unconventional. She embodies how diversity strengthens policing — not just in gender, but in experience, perspective, and voice.
Investigating Inclusivity
Sergeant Mina Rahravan is a frontline patrol officer in the City of Vaughan. She strives to be an inspiration and role model for women in policing. Sergeant Rahravan says the most important thing for a thriving relationship between police and community is for the service to emulate the society it serves. As a perfect piece of this puzzle, York Regional Police is one of the most diverse services in Canada.
As the first female tactical flight officer, Sergeant Rahravan actively encourages women to join the police service. She says women are an asset in rebuilding trust with the community. During Cindy Huynh’s career, she has pinpointed situations where community members sometimes feel more comfortable speaking with female officers rather than male officers. Sergeant Rahravan says, since women make up half the population in Canada, the police service should reflect this.
Lawyer and Seneca professor Shazeen Kassam shares this view. She says that diversity, not just in the form of gender, is essential when it comes to building trust with the public. Kassam explains that having an Asian officer like Huynh is important because, in situations involving an Asian community member, they may feel more comfortable seeing someone who looks like them. As Kassam says, “Having a diverse police service allows the community to see past the uniform.”
York Regional Police is one of the first police services in the province to sign the 30Forward pledge. As of today, less than 23% of police officers in Canada identify as women. 30Forward hopes to reach the goal of having at least 30% women in police services.
Research also shows that female officers are far less likely to use force compared to their male counterparts. Women are also more successful in finding contraband during traffic stops, while making fewer stops. Female officers have also seen better outcomes for victims of crime, especially sexual assault, and are named less often in complaints and lawsuits.
Cindy Huynh is a step forward in creating a more diverse and inclusive police service. Rahravan and Kassam believe Huynh is a strong inspiration, showing how diversity in policing can strengthen community trust and inspire future officers.
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