Lana: Donna, I am very honoured to conduct this interview with you. You are an inspiration to women in policing today having broken down barriers and allowing us to follow our dreams to pursue a career in law enforcement. There are many articles written about you and of your experience being in the first female troop in the RCMP in 1974. I would like to take a spin and also focus on you outside of that role to share with our readers.
What other roles have you held other that being a police officer during your career and after retirement?
Donna: During my time in policing, I made it a priority to balance my roles as both a mother and a police officer, staying actively involved in my children’s school and extracurricular activities. I made the decision to transition from plainclothes work back to uniformed street duty and shift work because it better suited my family’s needs, as my husband was in a specialized unit. My community involvement included participating in Parent Advisory Councils and fundraising efforts. People in the community placed a great deal of trust in me as a police officer and relied on my decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. When I retired from policing, these same skill sets became highly sought after by both government and private organizations in British Columbia. In fact, I was recruited for my second career within the Provincial Government. In 1995, there seemed to be many opportunities for police officers considering retirement, as the skills developed throughout a policing career were easily transferable to other professions. Organizations were eager to hire retired police officers, primarily due to the high level of trust associated with them, along with the broad range of skills they had developed over the years.
Lana: Did you take on any other roles while you were still a police officer?
Donna: As above, I was very involved with my children’s school and extracurricular activities. I held a number of roles within the Parent Advisory Councils and was a volunteer leader – Brownies, Girl Guides.
Lana: Donna, are there any roles that you still hold that is in support of or have a connection to policing?
Donna: Since fully retiring in 2014, I became actively involved with the RCMP Veterans’ Association (RCMPVA). The Vancouver Division of the RCMPVA was seeking a strategic planner to help develop their mission, vision, values, and other strategic initiatives. Given my experience in this area during my time with the Provincial Government, I offered my assistance. Since then, I haven’t looked back and have held several executive positions within the Vancouver Division, including President. From there, I was nominated to the Association Council and have served as the Director of Communications since 2021.
I truly enjoy working with people who share the same commitment to giving back and supporting members of the RCMP family. After all, I believe that the RCMP played a key role in shaping the person I am today.
Lana: What skill sets are developed in policing and how that can be transferred to other careers/roles after retirement?
Donna:
- Communication
- Decision Making
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Listening
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Conflict Resolution
Many organizations value these skills in their employees, depending on the nature of the work. However, not everyone has developed these skills, which are often honed in a policing environment. Hiring individuals who have already demonstrated these competencies give organizations a significant advantage when it comes to employee performance and development.
Lana: Thank you very much again for being part of our Special Feature. What advice or words of wisdom would you impart to women who are currently in policing?
Donna: To all women who wear the police uniform, you make me incredibly proud. Over the past 50 years, you’ve taken on countless new challenges and consistently shattered barriers. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but you’ve accomplished so much. Keep staying true to yourselves, keep learning from those around you, ask questions, seek guidance, and, above all, support each other. Well done!
~ Donna Morse, RCMP Reg #31800 (Rtd), Troop 17 74/75
October 10, 2024