Canada's first female police officer in Iraq completes mission

OTTAWA, July 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Sergeant Erin Coates, from Saskatoon Police Service, recently completed a one-year deployment to the Police Task Force – Iraq Training Unit within the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). Coates was the first female Canadian law enforcement officer deployed to Iraq in a police peace operations capacity.

Canadian police officers deployed to the Police Task Force – Iraq Training Unit provide key training to the Government of Iraq civilian security entities, including federal, provincial, local and specialty police agencies. The primary focus of the Canadian police instructors is on community policing topics, as well as the enhancement of both negotiation and de-escalation capabilities.

"We are very proud of Erin and of all of our police officers who are deployed in Iraq," said RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki. "The work they do enhances the capacity of the Iraqi police and security agencies to engage all aspects of the communities they serve, including women and children."

Inclusion of women in the security sector builds capacity, supports stabilization efforts and enhances legitimacy and trust as it reflects the communities in which they serve. Coates was part of the team that enhanced and implemented a Female Policing Course for female Iraqi police officers, which included leadership development, human rights, and benefits of a gender perspective in policing operations.

Since Coates' deployment, two other Canadian female police deployed to Iraq, one working with Coates in the training unit and the other as the Gender Advisor of the CJTF-OIR and Canadian Contingent Commander. The RCMP continually seeks to deploy female police officers in order to provide leading examples of gender equality and empowerment for the female Iraqi police. The RCMP encourages other female police officers to apply for international peace operations in the future.

Canada deploys Canadian police officers to peace and stabilization missions through the Canadian Police Arrangement, a partnership between the RCMP, Public Safety Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Canadian police have established an excellent reputation in international policing through their expertise, leadership, professionalism and dedication.

Coates will be available for media interviews on August 7, 2019, in anticipation of National Peacekeepers' Day on Friday August 9. A Media Availability will be announced shortly.

Link: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2019/canadas-first-female-police-officer-iraq-completes-mission

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further information: RCMP Media Relations, [e-mail], 613-843-5999