Celebrating Women in Policing

Three Toronto police officers were recognized at the annual Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) awards on May 1.

Detective Constables Stacey Dewsnap and Doreen Molyneaux received the Innovation Award for their contributions to Project Tracker, a groundbreaking software program that gives the Service a clearer picture of how major cases are investigated.

“This is an application that Stacey and I worked on for over a year, and it is an application that is near and dear to our hearts,” said Molyneaux, who is in her 30th year with the Service. “It is a great tool that makes the job easier for us at the Service, and it helps keep us compliant.”

The custom-built software solution is transforming how Canada’s largest municipal police service manages Major Case Management and Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) compliance by streamlining operations and accountability across the Service.

“With their extensive subject-matter expertise in MCM processes, Detective Constables Dewsnap and Molyneaux were instrumental in initiating and driving the TPS Tracker project from concept to reality,” said Detective Sergeant Jason Shankaran who led the project. “Without their deep operational knowledge and advocacy, the project would not have been launched or achieved success.”

Staff Sergeant Claudia Cid, who joined the Service in 2002, was recognized with the Leadership Award.

Through her direct leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to building inclusive, high‑performing teams, female representation in the Public Order Unit (POU) has grown to 13% by 2025, a measurable shift directly influenced by her efforts.

As a Sergeant, she led frontline teams through complex, high‑pressure situations, consistently modelling professionalism, calm decision‑making and strong ethical standards.

“When I reflect on the significance of this award, it really is not about me,” said Cid, who is now at 51 Division. “It represents the many people who have been part of my journey -- friends, colleagues, mentors and especially the women who have paved the way and created space for others in this profession. I have been fortunate to have a fulfilling career and, over time, I have come to see how important it is to be intentional about mentorship and leadership, making the effort to show up, support others and share what I have learned. This recognition reflects that commitment.”

Superintendent LeeAnn Papizewski nominated Cid for the award.

“Staff Sergeant Cid leads by example time and time again,” said the senior officer. “She is known for her positive outlook, her willingness to go the extra mile and her ability to build trust and form strong partnerships. She encourages initiative, supports colleagues through adversity, and consistently elevates the performance and confidence of those she leads. Her high ethical standards and steady presence have earned her the respect of members across ranks, units and specialized teams.

“She embodies the qualities celebrated by the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Leadership Award. She inspires others through her actions, models professionalism in every environment and consistently influences positive change within the Service. Her leadership has strengthened operational teams, expanded opportunities for women, and contributed to a more inclusive and capable Toronto Police Service. Her dedication, vision and unwavering commitment to excellence make her highly deserving of recognition in the Leadership category.”