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.
Constable Tara Joubert: A commitment to service and community
Const. Tara Joubert is a dedicated Richmond RCMP officer with five and a half years of service. She currently serves as a General Duty Investigator, a role that involves being a first responder and conducting fulsome investigations into a wide range of incidents. Her responsibilities include attending 9-1-1 calls, investigating crimes such as motor vehicle collisions, missing persons, intimate partner violence, thefts, break-and-enters and sexual assaults. Joubert works closely with specialized units, such as the Police Dog Service and Forensic Identification Services, to secure criminal charges and enhance public safety.
What inspired you to join the RCMP?
Ever since I was a small child, I have wanted to be a police officer, specifically with the RCMP. Growing up with a father who was a member of the RCMP was extremely impactful, and I was deeply influenced by seeing him in uniform and learning of his work as I grew older.
Although my father never pressured me towards policing, I was inspired by his example and the stories he told of Depot and his career. As I grew older, the inspiration developed into a genuine interest in crime and law, and propelled me to achieve my bachelor’s degree in criminology.
For me, the RCMP was the first and only choice of organization to pursue. The tradition, the iconic red serge and the rich history that it upholds were elements I felt no other policing organization could offer. As I made my way through the lengthy application process, I always envisioned graduation day at Depot when my father would be able to present me with my badge. It was a special moment in my life when that day was finally realized in 2019, and I became part of this amazing organization.
Can you share some details about your career path?
All of my service has been in General Duty, including a one-year rotation at YVR airport. Before joining the RCMP, I worked for three years in the Richmond detachment as a municipal employee in transcription.
In my current role as a General Duty Investigator, I am responsible for enforcing the law and conducting thorough investigations. I collect evidence at crime scenes such as taking photographs, collecting video, interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses, and working with specialized units to propel investigations forward and secure criminal charges.
What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?
One of the challenges I initially faced early in my career was adjusting to the shift work and the inconsistent sleep patterns while in General Duty. Having never worked shift work prior to becoming an officer, I found working through the night from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. to be hard on my body.
Brain fog, lethargy and lack of motivation to do anything during the daytime was difficult to overcome throughout my days off, and just when I felt I was recovering, I had to jump right back into the next work week.
After reading "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement" by Kevin M. Gilmartin, I began to understand what was happening to my mind and body on a biological level. By implementing strategies around physical movement, activity planning and communication with loved ones, I was able to reduce the biological roller-coaster that shift work can cause, create better work-life balance and be more engaged with my family during my time away from work.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the RCMP?
One of the most memorable experiences with the RCMP was my time at Depot. Training at Depot in Regina, Sask., is an experience unique to RCMP members and is shared by all members across all generations. While the six months of training was stressful and intense, the level of camaraderie and collective support from your troopmates – men and women from all over the country – is something I will always look back on with fond memories.
A standout memory, however, is graduation day. Having my family and loved ones sitting in the bleachers while I marched with my troop in red serge during the Sergeant Major’s Parade, as well as during the badge presentation when I was officially addressed as a constable and no longer a cadet upon being presented with my badge by my father, was a deeply emotional moment I will never forget.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career with the RCMP?
My advice is to stay steadfast in your dream, and not let anyone try to dissuade you that you are too nice, or not capable of this type of work simply because you are a woman. As women, we bring unique strengths into the world of policing such as innate communication skills and resilience that can serve us well individually, with victims of crime and trauma, and in de-escalating heightened or emotionally charged situations.
I would also advise women interested in this line of work to reach out to your local RCMP detachment and go for a ride-along with a female officer to have a first-hand look at "a day in the life." This is a great opportunity to connect with a female member, hear about her personal stories and experiences on the job, and find a supportive hand during the application process.
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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