Richmond RCMP continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of women in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This milestone represents a significant achievement in the history of diversity and inclusion within the RCMP. As part of this commemoration, we are featuring a series of profiles of RCMP members serving the Richmond detachment, highlighting their diverse ranks, roles and backgrounds.
Honouring the Trailblazers: Troop 17
On Sept. 16, 1974, 32 women from across Canada made history as the first female officers sworn into the RCMP, forming Troop 17. This ground-breaking event paved the way for gender equality within national law enforcement. Known for their resilience and determination, the women of Troop 17 faced unique challenges and overcame numerous barriers to set a precedent for future generations. Their contributions have significantly shaped the RCMP, with women now making up approximately 22 per cent of RCMP officers.
Const. Pancharatnarajah: A journey of courage and advocacy
Const. Pancharatnarajah (Panch) is a dedicated and compassionate RCMP officer with four-and-a-half years of service. She recently joined the Richmond RCMP Special Victims Unit (SVU), a unit tasked with investigating some of the most sensitive and impactful crimes within the community. The SVU’s mandate includes investigating crimes related to physical and sexual abuse of children, child luring and the possession, making and distribution of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CESM).
The unit works closely with BC integrated Child Exploitation (BC ICE) and U.S. Homeland Security to ensure thorough investigations and the protection of vulnerable individuals. In her role, Pancharatnarajah conducts interviews and monitors statements with children under 14 years old, providing critical support and advocacy for the youngest victims in our community.
Pancharatnarajah is also an appointed director on the board of Out on Patrol, an organization for 2SLGBTQI+ law enforcement officers.
What inspired you to join the RCMP?
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a police officer. Through my lived experiences as an 2SLGBTQI+ South Asian woman and Tamil immigrant, a police officer was not in the equation growing up.
My parents didn’t have that dream for me, as being a police officer back home was considered a “man’s job.” Additionally, growing up in a South Asian household in Scarborough, Ont., police officers were often disliked and viewed as being racist and violent towards our community. It took me a long time to finally decide to pursue my dreams and apply to the RCMP.
I joined the police force to break down barriers within my culture, and within the force itself. I wanted to show Tamil women that they should always follow their dreams, never stop believing and not allow others to decide their fate.
I wanted to show Tamil women that they do not need to sit at an unenjoyable desk job that is expected of them. And importantly, I wanted to show Tamil and South Asian women that even though policing has historically been viewed as a man’s job, we can and must break those barriers and achieve anything we put our minds to.
What motivates you to continue serving in law enforcement?
What motivates me to continue serving in law enforcement is seeing a difference in people’s faces and thought processes when they learn that I am a police officer. Witnessing their joy when they see a South Asian woman in a uniform gives me the motivation to wake up every day and do what I do. Growing up, there was no representation of South Asian women, especially Tamil women, in law enforcement.
If I can be the representation or a role model for other South Asian women, then I know I did something right.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
My intersectional identity as a woman, lesbian, Tamil and visible person of colour has produced unique challenges. When meeting new members or coming into a new detachment, there are always challenges in ensuring that people are comfortable with my sexuality or their ability to pronounce my name. Luckily, I’ve only encountered one or two instances where I was uncomfortable with comments addressed to me by fellow members, and I have been able to address this within the workplace.
I have also faced some harsh interactions during calls, including comments from fellow racialized people accusing me of betraying people of colour for wearing my uniform, and from men of colour for not being a traditional South Asian woman by being a police officer. Speaking to the South Asian community about why I became a police officer has been rewarding work for me.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the RCMP?
In 2023, my colleagues informed me of a non-profit organization called Out on Patrol. This organization is made up of 2SLGBTQI+ members of law enforcement, with a focus on community outreach, charitable work and education. My most memorable experience was being invited to join the Out on Patrol booth at Kelowna Pride during my time with the Kelowna detachment.
We set up a tent in Kelowna Park, alongside other vendors, which allowed us to connect with the community. Out on Patrol has had a massive impact on the Kelowna community, garnering significant positive feedback. After moving to Richmond RCMP, I had the privilege of joining Out on Patrol as a board member.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career with the RCMP?
Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from following your dreams. Not your sexuality, your cultural norms, the colour of your skin or your gender. Keep going.
Celebrating history and inspiring the future
Richmond RCMP’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of women in the RCMP aims to honour the trailblazing women who have shaped our community with their dedication and courage. Through a series of media features, we will highlight the diverse roles and backgrounds of women officers within our detachment, showcasing their unique contributions to public safety.
We invite the community to join us in celebrating this historic milestone by following us on social media and our newsroom for stories and updates. Engage with the women officers who continue to make Richmond a safe and vibrant community.
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