Celebrating 50 years of Women in the RCMP: featuring Superintendent Julie Drotar

Richmond

2024-08-01 09:53 PDT

Richmond RCMP is proud to kick off celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of women joining 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, of diverse ranks, roles, and backgrounds.

Honouring the Trailblazers: Troop 17

On September 16, 1974, thirty-two 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 percent of RCMP officers.

Superintendent Julie Drotar: a journey of dedication and service

Superintendent Julie Drotar is the Senior Operations Officer, second in command, at the Richmond RCMP detachment. She has previously held positions as the Assistant LMD District Commander, Operations Support Officer at the Coquitlam RCMP, and several operational and administrative roles in Provincial and Federal Units within the RCMP. With a career spanning 30 years, Supt. Drotar exemplifies the dedication and excellence that women in the RCMP have come to represent.

View larger image: Superintendent Julie Drotar

What inspired you to join the RCMP, and what motivates you to continue serving in law enforcement?

Being a police officer is a very rewarding and satisfying career. I joined the RCMP because I wanted to serve my community and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This profession offered me the opportunity to help others, uphold justice, and contribute to the safety and well-being of those around me.

Each day brings new challenges and rewards and I find great fulfillment in the sense of purpose and responsibility that comes with the job. As a senior leader, I also focus on ensuring the employees I oversee have the tools and support they need to thrive in their duties/career, and provide a happy and fulfilling work place for them to come to every day.

Can you share some details about your career path and achievements?

I have been fortunate to work in various roles across different units within the RCMP. I have had the opportunity to contribute to contract policing and operational support in numerous detachments, and my career includes positions in Provincial and Federal units within the RCMP including the Drug Section, Criminal Intelligence Section (CIS), and the Integrated Proceeds of Crime Section (IPOC).
Some of my career highlights include being requested to partner with Senior Council of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada BC to develop guidelines on offence related property restrain and related investigation, and being recognized as a subject matter expert by the then Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Additionally, I was humbled to have been selected as an Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Janet Austin, as part of a very limited specialized team.

English is my second language, so establishing myself in an English division and rising through the ranks while being recognized by my colleagues as an ethical, hard-working, reliable and approachable leader is something I am prouder of than anything else.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?

As a female police officer, I have faced various challenges, but I view each challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn. Some of these challenges pushed me to reach higher ranks in senior leadership to ensure I could be part of the positive changes within the force. This mindset has helped me overcome difficulties and continue progressing in my career. It’s important to convey that challenges do not define us; rather, how we respond to them does. By reflecting on what we can learn from each obstacle, we can pave a better path for others.

What advice would you give to young women in policing or those considering a career with the RCMP?

Take part in the conversation and assert yourself. Don’t underestimate your abilities or contribution. Embrace ambition and don’t be afraid to strive for specific duties or leadership roles. Seek mentors and build a supportive network of women who can help navigate the challenges of being a female police officer. Most importantly, be true to yourself and believe in your capabilities.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the RCMP?

My career has been filled with many rewarding experiences, but one of the most memorable is the opportunity to work with incredible people and teams. Witnessing the collective achievements over the years and contributing to investigations, innovative changes, and mentorship has been profoundly fulfilling.

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 are shaping our community with their dedication and service. Through a series of media features, we will highlight the diverse roles and background of women officers within our detachment, showcasing their unique contributions to public safety.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating the 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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Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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