The Superhero behind the Symbol
Posted on December 7, 2020
Cst. Becky Coutu with the Calgary Police Service’s Forensic Crime Unit shares with us her experience behind the badge in the midst of Covid.
Today approximately 1/5th of police force officers are women. Can you describe the advantages as well as the disadvantages (if any) you experience as a female officer?
I have been a police officer with the Calgary Police service for almost 10 years. During my time as a patrol officer I found I often had the ability to de-escalate a situation through calm verbal commands and didn’t have to resort to force to control the situation. However, that being said, I am 5’3” and have had, on a few occasions, offenders step up to me in an attempt to intimate me or force my hand and I have found in those situations I have been able to resort back to my training and use the use of force options available to me to take control of the situation. I have been in physical fights and foot chases in order to make an arrest and have always come out on top and thankfully I have always had a partner (male and female) to have my back.
Now do these scenarios have to do with the fact that I am female, well I’m not sure because I’ve never asked the offenders before. It may have more to do with an individual’s personality than sex as to how each situation is handled. I know personally that I have been able to empathize with victims and speak to them on a personal level to help them feel comfortable coming forward and making a statement to police which can sometimes be the hardest part for us as police officers. If the victim isn’t willing to cooperate we often times find our hands tied with what we can do.
As for working in a very male dominated career I often found the men on my team or as a partner were great! I think I have been fortunate enough to enter the policing world in a time where it is widely accepted to have female officers. I have had to deal with only a few comments from old school male officers regarding my ability to do the job and some sexist comments however I know that 99% of the male officers on the force accept and appreciate the females in uniform.
What attracted you to the force? What advice would you give to women who are considering pursuing a position?
I wanted to be a police officer ever since I was in high school. Any time I would see a cop car with the lights and sirens going I would be curious as to what call they were going to, who needed their help? I have always wanted to be that person who you called when you needed help, to knock the doors down and take the offenders to jail. However out of high school I some how got it into my head that I was too short and too introverted – I couldn’t be a police officer, so I went to college to join the oil and gas world. Through school I realized it just wasn’t the excitement I wanted. I graduated with a diploma and then started applying with the RCMP and Calgary Police Service. I knew that even though I was short and introverted that there was still a place for me on the force. I have learned that everyone on the job is different and have different talents and skills which is what makes this service work the way it does. I got on with CPS at 21 and have been able to develop my own talents and skills – I now work in the Forensic Crime Scenes Unit where my attention to detail is used daily. I am currently working to become 1 of 3 bloodstain pattern experts within the Calgary Police Service and I am absolutely loving the career I have made for myself.
I would tell other women looking to pursue a career as a police officer to go for it! The force needs all kinds of people with different skills because being a police officer is such a dynamic job. As I was once told, a police officer wears many hats, some days we are enforcers of the law, some days we are councillors helping a damaged relationship find resolution, some days we are the shoulder to cry on when you feel life has no more meaning for you. Within CPS we have so many different units that help bring a file to completion, cyber crimes, forensics, detectives and each section has a different knowledge base and set of skills. So, we need all types of people on the job, male or female it doesn’t matter anymore!
Beginning in August 2020 it was announced that officers can wear masks while on duty in situations where personal protective equipment (PPE) is not required but where physical distancing may be difficult or unpredictable. Do you feel that there has been pressure either for or against wearing masks while on duty? Have there been any other Covid related changes or new expectations in your role?
Covid 19 has been a dynamic and constantly changing situation that the public has had a hard time keeping up with. This is no different for Police Officers. I have found we are constantly trying to keep up with the latest updates and changes and the service is doing its best to keep our members safe while we continue to do the job we signed up for. When masks were first introduced it was given to us to use when we felt it was necessary, as things have progressed and cases of Covid continue to climb we are now mandated to wear the masks at all times except when we are at our own personal work space and are 6 feet from anyone else in the room. I have no problem wearing the mask as I have a few people in my family who are immune deficient, and I don’t want to risk bringing Covid home with me.
We have now been asked to wear safety glasses as well as the masks to further help protect us when we are dealing with members of the public. I don’t find it comfortable and when I wear my glasses, I often get frustrated with the glasses fogging up, but I am able to see the bigger picture and accept the safety measures put in place are there for a reason.
The RCMP was asked to assist with enforcing the Federal Quarantine act in the Spring of this year. What has been your experience in terms of compliance in Calgary? Do you have any concerns about how a second wave may impact the city?
Through the summer and the introduction of mandatory masks in public buildings I found that most Calgarians were compliant with the precautions put in place. I do believe as the months have gone on people have gotten complacent which is why we are seeing the numbers rise and a second wave hitting Alberta. I do worry this wave will be far worse than the first because I think people are feeling frustrated and are less likely to follow the rules put out by the government this time and we won’t be able to get the cases under control. I also know the economy is taking a huge hit and I have seen firsthand the rise in bankruptcy, which is leading to more suicides, domestic violence, child abuse and so much more. I worry that shutting down the economy again will have even graver effects on people’s mental health, and this worries me. I wouldn’t want to be the one making these hard decisions right now.
What is your advice to people who are experiencing depression, trauma, abuse or even just concern for friend’s family and neighbours during the pandemic? Is there any specific advice you would give to women, or is there any specific support available to women who are finding it difficult to cope with Covid related issues or stress?
The best advise I could offer during this time is to remind people to stay in contact with their friends, family, co-workers and neighbours. A phone call could be just what someone needs to know they are not alone in this weird time. And be vigilant, if you see any type of abuse, domestic/child abuse, call the police so that we can do a proper check on the welfare of those you are concerned for. Like I said earlier, we as police officers wear many different hats, we are not always there to arrest the bad guy. We are here to check on the welfare of anyone who needs us. If you think you see abuse, call us so we can investigate properly and help get those who are being abused out of those situations. If you think you see someone struggling with depression and are worried, they hurt themselves or someone else then call Police. We can assess someone’s mental health and if we think they need further help we can bring them to a hospital to speak to someone more qualified.
My advice would be to stay patient. I know a lot of families are working from home and may find themselves getting frustrated more easily with family. Just remember to stay patient and take time alone to allow yourself a chance to regroup. Know that you are not alone in this and that you can call if ever you need help. If you don’t think it is a police matter, there are numerous support services that people can reach out to:
24/7 Calgary Support Line: 403-234-7233
Connect sexual abuse network: 403-237-5888
Alberta mental health help desk:1-877-303-2642
Child abuse hot line:1-800-387-5437
Kids help line:1-800-668-6868
Parent’s anonymous stress line:403-265-1117
Calgary and area child and family services:403-297-2995
Calgary Counseling centre:403-691-5991
Distress centre: 403-266-4357
Family violence info line: 403-310-1818
Bullying help line: 1-888-456-2323
Calgary women’s emergency shelter: 403-234-7233
7 thoughts on “The Superhero behind the Symbol”
Charmaine
–I loved this and gave me a new perspective on police, there to help our welfare not just get the offenders. very cool! Thanks for the advice to take time to regroup, sometimes a few minutes and some patience makes all the difference.
Nadja David
–This is so amazing! To see that woman, even at 5’3’”, can have an amazing career in the police force and truly contribute. I grew up with the image that police were mostly big men with authority. How we have evolved as a society! We forget that there are so many specialities like forensics who require people with different skills. And that no matter your size, you can still outrun and catch the people you need to. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit but you have truly educated me on the subject, thank you!
Rhianon Petkau
–Great insight into what it’s like to be a police officer during these times and a female officer. So grateful to have people like this in the world trying to help.
Flora
–What a great interview! I’m so happy to hear that gender equality is becoming a reality in the police force! I also appreciate her comments about how COVID impacted police service delivery and resources for people struggling with mental illness and abuse. I would add a few for victims of domestic violence looking for free legal help in Calgary:
Legal Aid Alberta,
Calgary Legal Guidance
Women’s Centre of Calgary
Thank you Jennifer and Becky for sharing this great conversation with us!
Tasha
–It’s wonderful to see someone follow their dreams and overcome the narrative in their minds like she said “too short and introverted”. It all starts with what we tell ourselves.
It unfortunate that police are caught in the middle between protecting the people they took an oath to serve and an over reaching government who’s in the process of bankrupting the country!
Thanks for another great interview Jen!
percivious
–Thank you so much!!!
Brenda
–Thank you for such an empowering read! It was very informative into the role and diversity of a police officer and to see the positive and essential influence of female representation within the police force. As well, such a positive influence for our younger generation that with determination, persistence and hard work your dreams can become reality.
Thank you for such a great interview!