Saskatchewan Women in Policing is a non-profit organization that aims to support and advance women in law enforcement. We are a group of leaders on a mission to empower women in policing to connect, access female-centric training, mentorship and build strong professional relationships.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Tonya is proud to serve her community as a 23 year member alongside the many exceptional men and women of the Saskatoon Police Service. As an energetic and positive team leader committed to excellence in service, she has served the majority of her career in Patrol Services. Tonya’s career acknowledgements including being a four-time recipient of the Chief’s Award of Excellence, two of which recognized courage in the line of duty. She has also received the Governor Generals Commendation for and act of great merit in the line of duty and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for contributions in the field of Law Enforcement – Policing. One of Tonya’s fun career highlights was participating with her team in the making of the SPS Lip Sync Video. Tonya is fiercely passionate about contributing to the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women within her organization.
Besides the hustle associated to a dynamic career in policing and the raising of five children, she is currently in her fourth year of a Hons BA in Policing and near complete the Global Crime and Justice Certificate, both through Wilfrid Laurier University.
Tonya is proud to serve as your Vice President and she is excited to contribute to the evolution of Saskatchewan Women in Policing.
Contact Tonya at vicepresident@swipsk.ca
JUDITH WRIGHT
Judy Wright, M. Ed. Registered Psychologist, owns and operates Gateways Counselling since 1988. COVID brought more demand for all counsellors. In 2022 Judy responded to that need by bringing on an additional 2 Registered Psychologists- provisional and 2 Registered Clinical Social Workers.
Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts, High Honors in Psychology, Minor in Religious Studies and a Masters in Educational Psychology. Judy is registered with the Saskatchewan College of Psychology. Judy is a certified trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (1990), and a trained mediator (2000). Judy worked as a supervisor or manager in insurance, security, and credit union corporations for over 30 years. Judy has had the pleasure of working with Hawaiian and Peruvian shamans, and Navajo, Ojibwa and Cree elders. Judy incorporates humanistic and cognitive behavioral perspectives, clinical hypnosis, and a wide range of evidenced based therapies, in her counselling and trainings. Counselling services, psychological assessments, trainings, equine-assisted therapy, and online programs are offered to assist individuals and companies to develop their potential, compassion, wisdom, and authenticity.
Judy brings her warm spirit and wisdom to all her trainings and counselling sessions. Judy believes that a counsellor and trainer must stand as a witness, or “walk with a person,” as they move through their experiences in counselling and trainings. Judy feels our world would find more healing if people experienced compassionate listening. Judy is there to offer her support and encouragement to assist people in finding their own inner richness and personhood. Judy does not side-step issues. Rather she honestly and compassionately confronts and challenges people so they can face and move through their barriers. Judy encourages people to transform their barriers so they may find their own voice/power and place in the world.
Judy is a proud mother of two and a grandmother of two. She loves spending time with her husband and cohort, David, on all kinds of adventures with family, horses and dogs. They enjoyy hosting family dinners and spending time at the Cottage. Judy is a passionate competitor in the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting and has competed across Canada and the United States with her beloved horse Jasper. She has three dogs and a cat that rounds up her animal menagerie.
TANESSA BOUTIN
Tanessa currently works as the Manager of Privacy and Access Program for Farm Credit Canada and is a sessional Professor at the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work. She has served over 15 years in various public service leadership roles across the Saskatchewan provincial and Canadian federal public service, with a passion for human services social policy. Tanessa is an avid volunteer in her community who has and continues to serve on several boards while simultaneously coaching many sports teams. Tanessa attended the University of Regina as a CIS student athlete representing the Cougars Track and Field team while obtaining her Bachelor of Social Work with honors and working full time with the Municipal government in Regina. Upon entering the work force she quickly found herself in a leadership role, she completed her Master’s of Public Administration in the evenings and simultaneously grew her family. She is a proud wife, mother of three active young children and one dog, Diesel.
Tanessa enjoys coaching her children in their many sports and serves on several non-profit boards and charitable organizations. She currently serves on the board for IPAC Saskatchewan as Past-President, IPAC National Executive Committee, IPAC Regional Group Counsel as Co-Chair, RaiseHER Co. as an Executive Advisor, Le Campagnole Dance Group as the Vice-President and Queen City Gymnastics Club Chair and coaches her daughter’s hockey and football teams. Tanessa is the captain of a local women’s touch football team in Regina, acclaiming several city and provincial championships in her 17 year tenure. Over the years Tanessa has been the proud recipient of many academic awards, Deputy Minister awards, the 2022 IPAC National Award of Excellence and most recently was honored as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Gold Medal. Tanessa is passionate about developing sound public policy, supporting a strong and better community, and truly embodies leaving it all on the table of life.
JACQUELINE MESSER-LEPAGE
Jacqueline has over 30 years of experience in healthcare, consulting, strategic planning, research and adult education. She is a seasoned professional, having developed expertise across sectors with a particular focus on leadership, strategy, healthcare, and legislation.
Throughout her career, Jacqueline has worn many hats as a senior leader within the public and private sectors. Her background includes Labour Relations, Privacy, First Nations and Metis Relations, Rural Health, Systems Programming, and even work as a Private Investigator. She is currently the Executive Director and Registrar with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics and an Associate with PYVOT Consulting.
Jacqueline holds a Master of Business Administration, undergraduate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Certificates in Mediation, Project Management, and Specialized Investigations, as well as numerous additional post-graduate courses and certifications.
C/M Kari Fedec
Civilian Member with the Criminal Analytical Section RCMP “F” Division
Kari Fedec has been a civilian member with the RCMP for 23 years, working in the F Division Criminal Analytical Section. In her current role as Senior Analyst and Manager, she is responsible for the management of 13 employees, from diverse backgrounds. She has personally mentored thirteen female members, introducing them to the complex world of the RCMP and the ever-changing world of criminal intelligence. Many of the employees she has mentored have gone on to win awards, to teach, and have worked on complex investigative files around the world. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, she uses her time and talents to create and teach courses in Canada, and internationally, including courses on Strategic Intelligence Analysis, Tactical Intelligence, Intelligence Analysis for junior analysts and a Critical Thinking Course. Ms. Fedec makes herself available, around the clock, answering questions and helping to ensure that the work she, and her team, do meets unit and National service standards.
Sgt. Bonnie Greene
Sergeant with the Provincial Protective Services Branch
Sergeant Bonnie Greene has been a Field Conservation Officer since 2007, and was one of the first two females promoted to the rank of Field Sergeant within the Conservation Office Service in 2021. Over the course of her career, she has had the opportunity to mentor many Conservation Officers, both brand new to law enforcement and those with more experience. Based upon the experience she has acquired as one of the few female Conservation Officers in Saskatchewan, she has been specifically assigned responsibility for supervising young females in the seasonal program. Conservation law is even more male-dominated than other areas of law enforcement, Sergeant Greene utilizes her personal experiences, and the techniques and strategies she has developed over the course of her career, to mentor young Conservation Officers, providing them with tools beyond those they learn as a new recruit. She is an inspiration, a committed advocate for conservation law and a dedicated public servant.
Sgt. Tia Froh
Sergeant with the Regina Police Service
In 2014, the Regina Police Service began exploring the establishment of a Facility dog program. At that time, there were only five facility dogs working in Canada. The difficult task of creating the innovative program within the Regina Police Service fell to Sergeant Tia Froh. On May 24, 2015, the dynamic duo of Sergeant Froh and Merlot began their 8- year partnership. During their partnership, Sergeant Froh and Merlot conducted 352 forensic interviews, attended court 161 times, and helped prepare 122 victims and their families for court. They have also utilized social media to highlight their important work, and to share messages of inclusion, with their approximately 10,000 followers. Based upon Sergeant Froh’s hard work, Justice Facility Dogs are accredited in courts across the Province, and there are now 50 working across the country. She has always made the well-being of those around her a priority and has shared her knowledge, skills and abilities with both victims of crime, fellow police officers, and police agencies across the province. Her extensive community involvement, and her commitment to the vulnerable people of Regina has fostered increased community trust in policing.
Andrea Vogel is a 15- year member with the Saskatoon Police Service. She has had a diverse career working in Patrol and in Criminal Investigations, and is currently assigned to the Saskatoon Police Service Drug Unit. In addition to regular duties, she is a trained arson investigator and instructs the Search Warrant Writer’s Course and the Investigative File Management Course at the Saskatchewan Police College. Andrea is passionate about her job and is excited to create connections for and with women in law enforcement and help to establish a network for women in policing. Click on info@swipsk.ca to send Andrea an email.
Monica Deters
Supervisor, Intelligence Analysts with the RCMP “F” Division
Content – Coming Soon
Caitlin Lee
Conservation Officer with the Provincial Protective Services Branch
Content – Coming Soon
Sherese Tardif-Cress
Detector Dog Handler with the Canada Border Services Agency
Sherese Tardif-Cress has been a Canada Border Services Officer since 2007. She holds a Criminal Justice degree and is currently a FB03 Border Services Officer at the North Portal Port of Entry. She has years of experience in the CBSA mode of land, air, and rail in the traffic and commercial business lines. She has served as a CBSA trainer, Immigration Minister’s Delegate, and Acting Superintendent. Her most recent assignment as a Detector Dog Handler began in 2018 and she partnered with Chase. She became the first female Detector Dog Handler in Saskatchewan and her area of responsibility is the twelve CBSA land border crossings and two international airports in the province. Sherese and Chase work together as an amazing contraband detection team. What sets them apart from any ordinary DDS team is Sherese’s comittment to mentorship and coaching, as she works alongside CBSA officers in every enforcement situation. The unique role of the CBSA Detector Dog Service allows her to serve the CBSA by modeling advanced exam and interview techniques and provide input on enforcement situations and decisions. Sherese and Chase are an undeniable asset to the CBSA and have contributed to community relations, interagency partnerships, and growth and development of the DDS program in the Prairie Region of CBSA. This has been inspiring and motivating for managers and colleagues alike. By continually demonstrating success despite adversity, Sherese is a true leader and role model for many and particularly young women seeking to explore career development.
Robin Petkau
Constable with Regina Police Service
Constable Robin Petkau has been a member of the Regina Police Service since December 20, 2004. During the course of her career Constable Petkau has worked in Detention, Patrol, Community Service Centre, Traffic Services Unit and has been working in her current position in the School Resource Section since January 2018. Constable Petkau was also part of the Underwater Investigation and Recovery team from April 5, 2013 to December 31, 2020.
September 2021 Constable Robin Petkau was at a birthday pool party with adults and children. During the party one of the children went over the rope separating the shallow end from the deep end. The child began to struggle which went unnoticed by the people in and around the pool. When it was noticed that the child was under the water Constable Petkau sprang into action and jumped in the pool. She swam to the bottom of the deep and extracted the child. When the child was brought to the service their goggles and nose plug were still in place. The child was not breathing, and their face was blue. Constable Petkau immediately assessed the situation and the child and began life saving measures performing CPR. After a short time period of CPR the child was able to expel the water and began breathing again. The child was then transported to the hospital for assessment. As a result of the quick action by Constable Petkau the child did not have any water in their lungs.
Through her training and experience Constable Petkau was able to immediately assess and address the situation which resulted not only in saving the life of a child, but also prevented any long-term effects that lack of oxygen can have.
Richelle Perkins began her uniformed officer career at the age of 21 and she worked as a Border Services Officer for 25 years in southeast Saskatchewan. She has worked at 36 CBSA locations in Canada over the years. A prairie girl at heart, she was fortunate to land a substantive job near her hometown and settled in with her husband and children. Guarding the border has given her all kinds of experiences with all kinds of people and the best part of her career has been the variety each and every day. Never knowing who or what would be driving or walking to the border, flying, sailing, sent or smuggled to Canada has made workdays challenging and interesting. She has spent time as a manager as well as a union executive. She has been a mentor and trainer continuously over the years and specializes in commercial operations and specialized search techniques. For the past 11 years, Richelle has been delivering firearms field training and recertification. The role of Firearms Instructor has been the most challenging yet rewarding opportunity to date. She has been a volunteer Employee Peer Support Agent for her colleagues for many years and is involved in the employee support network, including critical incident management. Richelle’s interest in helping others and serving as a role model and leader is a source of pride. She became involved with Future Women in Law Enforcement several years ago and participated in facilitating a workshop in Calgary in 2019. This experience fuelled her drive to volunteer her time and talents to network and make meaningful connections with other women in policing. Contact Richelle at info@swipsk.ca
Det./Sgt. Colleen Reddekopp has been a Conservation Officer for the Province of Saskatchewan for over 25 years. Colleen’s first posting was at Meadow Lake Provincial Park in 1995. Since then, she has been stationed in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Spiritwood, and currently Prince Albert again. Colleen recently achieved a promotion to Detective Sergeant in the Enforcement and Investigations Section and specializes in Environmental Enforcement. She has been an active member of the Ministry of Environment Honour Guard and takes pride in representing fellow officers at important memorials and celebrations in this role. Colleen is very excited to play a part in SWIP and is confident that this will be integral in creating a positive forum for other women in policing across Saskatchewan. Contact Colleen at awards@swipsk.ca
S/Sgt. Marlie Frei has been Policing in Moose Jaw for 20 years. In 2001 she was hired by the Moose Jaw Police Service and moved her family from Regina to Moose Jaw to begin her career. Marlie now calls Moose Jaw home. Marlie has worked in different areas within the Service which includes 6 years in the Criminal Investigation Section with a focus on Child Abuse and Child Sexual Assault investigations. Throughout her career Marlie has had the opportunity to instruct and facilitated different courses at the Saskatchewan Police College. Marlie has been a Crisis Negotiator for the past 13 years and is currently in the Patrol Division. Marlie appreciates and admires all the hard work and professional gains women in law enforcement have established before her and is excited to continue the work and help create an environment of advancement, value and unity. Contact Marlie at membership@swipsk.ca.
Sgt. Kim Stewart is an RCMP member coming from Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Sgt. Stewart convocated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts (4 year Sociology) and a Bachelor of Commerce. Along the way, she discovered her love of policing and graduated from Depot in Regina in March, 2002. All of her service has been in Saskatchewan. Kim has been posted to Hudson Bay, Green Lake, Regina Commercial Crime, North Battleford, Yorkton City Detachment, Federal Serious and Organized Crime in Regina. She is currently the Grievance/Admin Reviewer with the Employment Requirements Unit for the division. Kim’s husband is also an RCMP member; they live in Regina with their three children and a new puppy, Bruin. Kim is grateful to be part of this group and can’t wait to see where the group is going to go. Contact Kim at treasurer@swipsk.ca
Lisa Simonson has been policing for the past 22 years and has proudly served her community. Lisa began her policing career with the Vancouver Police Department in 2000 (PC 2016) and, in 2002, she moved to back to her hometown of Edmonton and joined the Edmonton Police Service as an experienced officer (Reg# 2362). In 2011, Lisa and her husband (Cst. Derek Simonson) moved their family to his hometown of Prince Albert and joined the Prince Albert Police Service as an experienced officer. Lisa is currently the Inspector i/c Patrol after spending the past 5 years assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division – Major Crimes. She has been fortunate to have had a diverse career working in Patrol, Family Safety Unit, Firearms Instructor, Special Project Teams, Source Management & Witness Protection and as a Beat Officer. Lisa is honoured to be the inaugural President of SWIP. She is passionate about raising the value of diversity and creating a space for women in law enforcement to grow, connect and succeed. Contact Lisa at president@swipsk.ca
Sgt. Beth Kelly began her career with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment in 2010. In December 2013 she completed her in service 16-week training at the Western Canadian Law Enforcement Academy in Hinton, AB, stepping into the role of a Permanent Conservation Officer. Beth has spent her career in Northwest Saskatchewan, participating in various roles such as a Defensive Tactics Instructor and joining the Honour Guard team. In September of 2021, Beth accepted a promotion to Sergeant being stationed out of Loon Lake, Saskatchewan with what is now the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Provincial Protective Services Branch. In addition to her career, Beth is a wife and busy mother of 5 children but still takes every opportunity to tackle new challenges and support local organizations. She is honored to serve on the SWIP board of Directors, supporting, connecting, and growing our Saskatchewan network of Women in Law Enforcement.
Whitney Beug has over 12 years’ experience in the Crown sector, with the majority of her time spent in Human Resources specializing in training and development. She has extensive knowledge on developing and implementing strategies, policies, corporate training programs and facilitating leadership programs. Whitney has her Business of Administration Degree from the University of Regina and certificates in Adult Education and Professional Leadership. Whitney is certified in Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0/EQ 360) and Coaching. In 2020, Whitney decided to pursue her passion and lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. She was hired with the Regina Police Service as a Constable.
Whitney is passionate about creating an inclusive work environment and supporting women in their careers. She is enthusiastic about SWIP’s mission and values. Whitney looks forward to sharing her knowledge to support women and help them become confident leaders.
Lorilee Davies is a Deputy Chief with the Regina Police Service. She has 24 years of policing experience in Regina and has worked in a multitude of areas within the Service. She is committed to increasing female membership in the Service, especially in the supervisory and leadership roles. RPS is aiming to have 30 percent of their sworn members’ female by the year 2030. Lorilee is a member of the RPS Executive team and the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. She is also the only female Critical Incident Commander at the Regina Police Service. Lorilee spent 12 years as an Executive member of the Regina Police Association and is currently the President of the Regina Senior Officers Association. Lorilee is the mom of two daughters and is busy as a chauffeur and coach for their many endeavors. The entire family enjoys spending time outdoors and especially loves hiking and rock climbing.Previous to policing, Lorilee worked in the media industry in both radio and television as a reporter.
Inspector Laurel Marshall oversees the Community Services Division – South District with the Regina Police Service. She joined the service in 1998 and feels honored to police the community in which she was born and raised. Having enjoyed 9 years of her career in Patrol, Laurel feels fortunate to have had opportunities to explore other aspects of policing in the Investigative Support Division – Street Crimes Unit and the Major Crimes Unit, the Support Services Division – Forensic Identification Unit and assigned special projects with the Cold Case Unit and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. Her fondness for teaching also lead her to instructing Defensive Tactics with the Saskatchewan Police College for 9 years. Within the RPS she was a Field Training Officer and instructed Defensive Tactics, Firearms, CEW and ASP. As a mother, wife and police officer, incorporating a healthy balance between work and home life is a top priority. As the Interim Professional Development Director of SWIP, Laurel is excited to be working alongside a talented group of her peers to support, connect and nurture leadership for women in law enforcement.
professionaldevelopment@swipsk.ca
Superintendent Cameron McBride is a 25 year member of the Saskatoon Police Service, and currently oversees Patrol Division. He has a wide range of policing experience, including Patrol, Traffic, Patrol Supervision, and Forensic Identification. Supt McBride was promoted to Superintendent October 1st, 2020, and enjoys the team focused environment of uniformed policing. In addition to his assigned duties, he was also part of the Explosives Unit for 16 years, and was instrumental in getting the SPS Unmanned Aerial Systems Program in place.
Personal wellness is a passion of Supt McBride. Together with his wife Candy, they have spoken to numerous police organizations on the topic of maintaining balance, and surviving a policing career with family and relationships intact. This desire to support police families has taken them as far as Pana City, where they spent a week with the Aero Naval, presenting on life balance, resiliency, and relationships within the context of law enforcement. The same desire to impact people in a good way led them to Manila, to assist in the creation of an orphanage and scholarship program, enabling unhoused children the opportunity to go to school.
Superintendent McBride is excited to support Saskatchewan Women in Policing, and looks forward to participating in the inclusion, empowerment and training of women to be leaders within our respective organizations.
Coming Soon
Coming Soon!
Insp. Tammy Patterson is in her 30th year with the RCMP and is proud to have raised her children and spent all of her policing career in the Province of Saskatchewan. Tammy joined the RCMP in 1992 out of the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec. Currently the Officer in Charge of Crime Reduction/Crime Prevention, Tammy has had the opportunity to work in various roles throughout her career. In addition to front line District, Detachment, and First Nations policing she has worked as a Police Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Sergeant Major at the RCMP Academy. Tammy is excited to be a part of SWIP and this opportunity to support, uplift and train with other women in law enforcement. Tammy can be reached at tammy.patterson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Kait Quinn has dedicated her professional and academic life to specializing in policing policy, programs and contemporary issues in both national and provincial contexts. Before serving in her current role with the Research and Implementation Branch of Integrated Justice Services (Government of Saskatchewan), she served as the Policy, Standards and Compliance Officer with the Saskatchewan Police Commission, the Program Manager of the province’s municipal and First Nations policing program contracts, and as the Senior Policy Analyst assigned to Saskatchewan policing initiatives and related national policy issues. Kait has particular specialization in the areas of First Nations policing, civilian oversight, community policing and alternative policing models. Kait is a strong advocate and supporter of women serving in uniform, and is excited to be part of the Saskatchewan Women in Policing Advisory Committee!
Katrina M. Swan, Q.C, grew up knowing she wanted to be a lawyer. She obtained her B.A. (Hons) in History from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997 and her J.D. from the University of Saskatchewan in 2001. She was called to the Bar in Saskatchewan in 2002. After becoming a lawyer, Katrina briefly considered joining the RCMP, but instead chose to apply her legal skills as a lawyer working for police. She has worked with the Regina Police Service and the Regina Board of Police Commissioners since 2005. As the sole lawyer working for the Regina Police Service, Katrina provides strategic and legal advice to the Chief of Police on all aspects of the law. She is widely viewed as an expert on the law of policing in Saskatchewan, and is happy to share her knowledge when requested. Katrina acted as legal counsel for the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, travelling across Canada participating in the public hearings. This important work was the high point of Katrina’s legal career, and she carries the lessons learned during the Inquiry close to her heart, remaining a committed advocate for the Calls for Justice. In 2020, she was honoured to receive her Queen’s Counsel designation, which recognizes contributions to the legal profession, and lawyers who have demonstrated superior legal ability. Katrina is very proud to be a member of the SWIP Advisory Board, and looks forward to supporting the advancement of women in law enforcement
Sandra Burrows is the Human Resources Manager at the Regina Police Service, having joined RPS in 2018. Sandra has worked in the public sector in human resources and communication positions for over 30 years.
Some areas of focus included business partner HR service delivery, compensation, change management, strategy and culture. In addition to undergraduate degrees, Sandra holds a Master’s degree in Organization Psychology. Sandra is excited about the formation of SWIP and the contributions that can be made together with RPS members, stakeholders, supporters and allies. The goals and objectives of SWIP support and contribute to diversity and inclusion outcomes pursued by RPS.
Sandra is impassioned by initiatives such as SWIP, (having sat on the provincial Status of Women committee many years ago), as well as her continued focus on EDI at RPS.
Inspector Mushka is a member of the Prince Albert Police Service and is currently the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division. In addition to oversight of investigation units, he is also responsible for several portfolios including professional standards, LAFOIP, internal policy, and Canadian Police College training.
Inspector Mushka joined the Prince Albert Police Service in January 2001 and has enjoyed a diverse career working in patrol, canine, SWAT, and Major Crimes. In 2014, while working in the Major Crimes Unit, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he remained until 2018 when he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In January 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and transferred to his current position. Since his promotion, he has completed the Senior Police Management Course and the Executive Development Course at the Canadian Police College.
Aside from his operational experience, Inspector Mushka previously served as a member of his local police association for eight years (2010 -2018) where he attended several provincial and national conferences focused on labour management, conflict resolution, and collective bargaining.
Inspector Mushka and his wife Alysia have two beautiful children, Ayma (7) and Crew (5). Inspector Mushka is honoured to have been invited to participate in the Saskatchewan Women in Policing as a member of the Advisory Board and is a strong advocate of equality and diversity for women in law enforcement.
Cst. Stephany has over 24 years in Emergency Services. She began her career as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1997, and in 2008, was hired as a Casual Communications Officer with the Estevan Police Service. In 2010, she was hired as a Constable and went off to the Police College in 2011. Danielle and her partner, Cst. Don Dechief, have 6 children, 3 grandchildren and another on the way. In her 10 years with the Police Service, she has worked in General Patrol, Traffic Services, as a School Resource Officer, Crisis Negotiator, and for the past year, has been working as the Court Liaison Officer. Danielle is very passionate about her job and continues to be very committed to volunteering within her community whether it be as a coach, or as a board member on various committees. She is honoured to be part of a group that will allow women growth within this industry and provide a network for women to share experiences and knowledge in order for us to grow together in this always changing world of policing. Contact Danielle at events@swipsk.ca.
Located in the heart of the southeast, and home of approximately 11,000 you will find the Weyburn Police Service. On Dec 1, 2000, after attending the University of Manitoba and earning a Bachelor of Arts and majoring in criminology, Cst. Mintenko began her career as the second female officer in the history of the department. Over time, Melinda has worked extensively with community agencies such as Schools, Social Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority- Mental Health, Child and Youth, Addictions, and Envision Counseling Service. She has initiated and helped develop community based programs that have educated individuals on the topics of cyber bullying, fraud and impaired driving awareness.
Some of her training includes; Applied suicide intervention, Responding to School Crisis, Forensic Child Interviewing, Advanced Interviewing techniques, Statement Analysis, Threat Assessment I and II, and trauma response, Rapid Deployment/Active shooters, Child Exploitation and human trafficking, Bicycle patrol, Viclas, OHS levels I and II, CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design), DARE instructor training (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), Effective Presentations, Cultural relations, & Emergency Preparedness.
In 2018 she was awarded the Chief’s Commendation for Community Policing for unfailing dedication to the betterment of the community through innovation problem solving and community partnerships and in particular for her initiative and development of a public awareness campaign, “This Ride’s on Us,” designed to reduce impaired driving in Weyburn and area.
For this same campaign, she was also awarded the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing Award for Excellence in Policing for developing and strengthening community partnerships through her passion, professionalism and positive attitude. Saskatchewan Chiefs of Police Community Policing award,
November 2018, she represented Weyburn Police Service internationally by running the Rock N Roll ½ marathon in Las Vegas in full uniform and raising awareness for mental health and fallen officers.
She continues to be part of the Southeast community mobilization (HUB) which “brings partnering service providing agencies together to supply immediate and co-ordinated intervention to those individuals who are suffering from acutely elevated levels of risk.”
She has put together multiple community assessments to assist businesses in finding solutions for safety related issues by using her CPTED training (Crime prevention through environmental design). She continues to act as a training officer to new recruits. Today, behind the uniform she is a mother of three young children and a wife to a busy entertainer /paramedic who works around her schedule and shares all life’s responsibilities. In August 2018, she attended the International Women and Policing conference and was empowered by strong women around the globe and motivated further to help drive change. The years have brought with them many challenges, however, one thing has always remained the same for her and that is her love in helping her citizens.
Contact Melinda at secretary@swipsk.ca