Meet Const. Panch: Champion of Diversity and Inclusion in the RCMP

Richmond RCMP continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of women in 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 presenting a series of profiles of RCMP members serving in the Richmond detachment, highlighting their diverse ranks, roles and backgrounds.

Tribute to the Pioneers: Troop 17

On September 16, 1974, 32 women from across Canada made history as the first female officers sworn into the RCMP, forming Troop 17. This groundbreaking event paved the way for gender parity in the nation’s law enforcement. Known for their resilience and determination, the women of Troop 17 faced unique challenges and overcame countless barriers to set a precedent for generations to come. Their contributions have significantly shaped the RCMP, with women now making up approximately 22 percent of RCMP officers.

Const. Pancharatnarajah: A Journey of Courage and Advocacy

Const. Pancharatnarajah (Panch) is a dedicated and compassionate RCMP officer with four and a half years of service. She recently joined the Richmond RCMP Special Victims Unit (SVU), a unit charged with investigating some of the most sensitive and impactful crimes within the community. The SVU’s mandate includes investigating crimes related to the physical and sexual abuse of children, child grooming, and the possession, production and distribution of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CESM).

The unit works closely with BC Integrated Child Exploitation (BC ICE) and US Homeland Security to ensure thorough investigations and the protection of vulnerable individuals. In her role, Pancharatnarajah conducts interviews and verifies statements of children under the age of 14, providing critical support and advocacy for the youngest victims in our community.

Pancharatnarajah has also been appointed as a director of the board of directors of Out on Patrol, an organization for 2SLGBTQI+ law enforcement officers.

What inspired you to join the RCMP?

Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a police officer. Due to my life experiences as a 2SLGBTQI+ South Asian woman and Tamil immigrant, being a police officer was not in the equation when I was growing up.

My parents did not have that dream for me, as being a police officer was seen as a “man’s job” in my home. Furthermore, growing up in a South Asian family in Scarborough, Ontario, police officers were often disliked and seen as racist and violent towards our community. It took me a long time to finally decide to follow my dreams and join the RCMP.

I joined the police force to break barriers within my culture and within the police force itself. I wanted to show Tamil women that they should always follow their dreams, never stop believing and never let others decide their destiny.

I wanted to show Tamil women that they don’t have to sit in the unpleasant desk job that is expected of them. And more importantly, I wanted to show Tamil and South Asian women that although policing has historically been seen as a man’s job, we can and should break down those barriers and achieve anything we set our minds to.

What motivates you to continue working for the police?

What motivates me to continue working in law enforcement is seeing a difference in people’s faces and thought processes when they hear that I’m a police officer. Witnessing their joy when they see a South Asian woman in uniform motivates me to wake up every day and do what I do. Growing up, there was no representation of South Asian women, especially Tamil women, in law enforcement.

If I can be an example or a representation for other South Asian women, then I know I’ve done something right.

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

My intersectional identity as a woman, lesbian, Tamil, and a visible person of color has presented unique challenges. When I meet new members or join a new secondment, there are always challenges in making people feel comfortable with my sexuality or their ability to say my name. Fortunately, I have only had one or two instances where I felt uncomfortable with comments directed at me by other members, and I have been able to address this in the workplace.

I’ve also faced some tough interactions in conversations, including comments from other racialized people accusing me of betraying people of color for wearing my uniform, and from men of color for not being a traditional South Asian woman by being a police officer. Talking to the South Asian community about why I became a police officer has been rewarding work for me.

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

In 2023, my colleagues introduced me to a non-profit organization called Out on Patrol. This organization is comprised of 2SLGBTQI+ law enforcement members, with a focus on community service, charity work, and education. My most memorable experience was being invited to participate in the Out on Patrol booth at Kelowna Pride during my time with the Kelowna detachment.

We set up a tent in Kelowna Park with other vendors, which allowed us to connect with the community. Out on Patrol has had a huge impact on the Kelowna community and has generated a lot of positive feedback. After moving to Richmond RCMP, I had the privilege of joining Out on Patrol as a board member.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the RCMP?

Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from following your dreams. Not your sexuality, your cultural norms, your skin color, or your gender. Keep going.

Celebrating history and inspiring the future

Richmond RCMP’s 50th Anniversary of Women in the RCMP celebration is designed to honor the trailblazing women who have shaped our community through their dedication and courage. Through a series of media assets, we will highlight the diverse roles and backgrounds of female officers within our department and showcase their unique contributions to public safety.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating this historic milestone by following us on social media and our newsroom for stories and updates. Join the conversation with the female officers who continue to make Richmond a safe and vibrant community.

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