First female superintendent for Windsor Police Services

Windsor Police Service has promoted its first female superintendent.

It's the highest rank achieved in the service by a female in its history. The only higher ranks are those of deputy chief and chief.

"I think it brings a sense of responsibility. I'm now a role mode for the various female officers in our service right now and any future female officers," said Supt. Pam Mizuno, who joined the service 22 years ago.

Mizuno said it has taken this long for a woman to move up the ranks because there are relatively few women in the service.

"It takes time, simply because there's so few in the pool," said Chief Al Frederick. "Right now we still have 80 per cent of our workforce, or perhaps not that high, but are still males," said Frederick.

"It think we look to hire the best people and I think we are trying to diversify," Mizuno said.

She said she hopes this inspires other women to get into policing.

"It's a great career. I've had an excellent career so far," Mizuno said.

In her new role she will be in charge of investigations.

The 46-year-old is joined by another new superintendent, Brendan Dodd, who ironically was hired the same day as Mizuno 22 years ago.

Frederick said both Dodd and Mizuno have moved up the ranks quickly. Adding it's important to have a female voice in upper ranks to give a unique perspective they didn't have before.