From the Streets to the Station: Women Driving Change in Policing
Kathleen Heath, an officer with the York Regional Police, patrols the neighborhoods of Newmarket, where she grew up. Her goal is to inspire change within her community and empower the next generation of female police officers.
Before joining the service, Heath built successful careers as both a dental hygienist and an entrepreneur while raising two sons. She entered policing later in life, a decision that, she says, required courage, balance, and strong family support.
“My parents were always there to help,” Heath said. “They’d watch the boys whenever I needed, and that allowed me to focus on my goals.”
The York Regional Police department has various initiatives to support women like Heath, who want to enter the field of policing later in life. These efforts are part of a broader national push to improve gender diversity and inclusion in law enforcement.
YRP has joined the 30x30 Initiative, a campaign that aims for women to make up at least 30 percent of new recruits by 2030. It also runs Fit4PREP Boot Camps and mentorship programs where aspiring recruits can connect with experienced female officers who transitioned into policing after other careers.
York Regional Police and Toronto Police host various information sessions aimed at women in policing to encourage applicants from a range of backgrounds, including those beginning a second career. Officers share personal stories of joining at different stages of life to motivate others.
For Kathleen Heath, being a police officer is about more than just wearing a badge. It’s a way to give back to her community and show that it’s never too late to follow a new calling.
Strength, Family, and Fearless Drive
Kathleen Heath grew up in a family rooted in strength and tradition. Surrounded by women who carried their households forward, she learned early how important resilience and flexibility were. Family shaped the way she saw the world, and those lessons became the foundation for the goals she set and the determination she carried into adulthood.
A major influence throughout her life was her grandmother, whose guidance helped shape Heath’s values. Their time together created a bond that remained meaningful long after childhood. Her grandmother encouraged her to stay focused and trust her abilities. The example she provided helped Heath understand the value of consistency and taught her to approach challenges with patience and confidence.
Running became a passion that defined many of Heath’s early achievements. What started as a simple interest grew into a commitment that pushed her to train harder and discover her own strength. She competed in races that tested her endurance and celebrated milestones earned through dedication. Earning medals and standing on podiums gave her a sense of accomplishment and reminded her how much effort she was willing to put into something she cared about. She says it’s a quality that would continue to serve her throughout her life.
Heath continued building that discipline as she pursued her education. Earning her diploma gave her new direction and helped her begin a career in fitness, guiding others toward healthier lifestyles. Starting her own personal training business allowed her to use her skills while connecting with her community. Although she eventually moved on to new opportunities, she says the experience strengthened her confidence and prepared her for the next chapter.
That chapter reached a proud moment when Heath graduated as a police officer, with her two sons by her side. Her journey reflects dedication, family support, and the resilience she has carried since childhood.
Leading with Heart: Women in Policing
Lucie Costin-Hall is a registered psychotherapist specializing in trauma, depression, anxiety, and relational issues. She believes every individual has the capacity for growth and renewal, even after experiencing loss and pain. Through her work, she has seen how healing and self-awareness can lead to deeper empathy and more meaningful relationships. Her expertise provides valuable context for understanding the emotional and psychological resilience required of women police officers serving their communities with strength and compassion.
As she explains, emotional resilience and self-understanding are not just personal strengths but essential tools for female officers seeking to serve with empathy and confidence. Costin-Hall says, “Acknowledging how past experiences shape the present will allow women in policing to forge stronger ties with their communities and with one another.”
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