Justine Todd – On the Ice and in the Community: A Woman of Authority

Referee on ice — Constable Justine Todd balances life on the ice and in uniform. When she’s not serving as a peer-support officer with York Regional Police, she’s officiating hockey games, like this Laurier–Ontario Tech matchup in Oshawa. Todd shares how she supports her colleagues while navigating two male-dominated fields.

Justine Todd is a police constable with the York Regional Police Department and a hockey official. While both are traditionally male-dominated fields, Todd has never let that hold her back. She allows her passion to guide her rather than fear.

As a teenager, Todd’s dream was clear—she wanted to become a police officer. She understood the dangers of the job but believed keeping her friends and community safe was worth the risk. Determined, she completed a double major in psychology and biology with a minor in French. Todd began her career with the Ottawa Police Service in 2010 and later joined York Regional Police as an experienced officer in December 2014. Over her nearly fifteen-year tenure, she has served on the field, as an instructor, and as a member of the peer support unit.

In that role, Todd says she provides professional resources and a listening ear for officers and civilians facing hardship. She describes her responsibilities as transformational. “I've realized that everyone's impacted differently. What everyone needs in those moments are different. How they react is different. How they respond long term is different. And you've got to meet the person where they're at.”

Sergeant Greg Pierce adds that Todd’s compassion and communication skills help officers persevere in their line of work.

Off the streets, Todd keeps the peace on the ice. She began playing hockey at age nine and continued through the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. At twelve, her mother enrolled her in an officiating course. Though she initially struggled with the pressure of being yelled at, Todd later embraced officiating as a way to break barriers for women in the sport. She became a role model for female referees and an advocate for balance and fairness on the ice.

Whether using a badge or a whistle, Todd inspires women everywhere. Hockey officiant Evelyn Wilson says Todd paved the way for women to know they can referee just as well as men. Sergeant Pierce notes that without Todd’s diverse experiences, female officers would lose a vital example of leadership and mentorship.

While Todd acknowledges some barriers for women in policing, she considers them rare and credits the female officers who came before her for making her path more attainable.

Justine Todd has lived and breathed hockey since childhood. She started with the Cubs in Smiths Falls at age nine and eventually became team captain. She says she loved the competitive spirit and the bonds she built with her teammates. This drive continued through her University of Toronto Varsity Blues experience.

After her education and her move into policing, Todd noticed a lack of female referees. She began officiating hockey games, balancing her police duties while mentoring athletes. She officiated internationally, including at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, and was selected for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, though she could not attend due to testing positive for COVID-19. Support from her family and community helped her overcome this setback.

Justine Todd continues to shape her community, teaching athletes the importance of rules and offering peer support to fellow officers. Her journey will continue at the 2026 Olympics in Italy, where she has been selected to serve as a linesperson. Hers is a story of leadership, resilience, and the kind of quiet courage that opens doors for others.

Justine Todd has left a lasting impact on colleagues and athletes alike. From officiating at the Olympic Games to supporting fellow officers, Todd has dedicated herself to fairness, compassion, and community service.

Fellow officials Evelyn Wilson and Kellie O’Dwyer say they have learned from Todd, valuing her experience and guidance. O’Dwyer, named Women’s Referee of the Year in 2023, notes that Todd consistently provides support while maintaining a positive environment on and off the ice.

Sergeant Greg Pierce worked alongside Todd in the practical skills unit and speaks highly of her kindness and leadership. He says she has a way of making officers feel at ease while pushing them to grow and persevere. Pierce believes her wide range of experiences strengthens police service. He says Justine Todd proves true leadership doesn’t come from rank, but from the way you show up for others when it matters the most.