Inspector Karla George talks about community, leadership and believing in yourself
By Alexandra Bisson
January 18, 2024
Content
Originally from Newfoundland, Inspector Karla George joined the RCMP in 2001. After graduating, she immediately went north for her first posting and has since worked in all but one RCMP detachment in the Northwest Territories. George recently became the first woman to lead the Prime Minister's Protective Detail. In this interview with Gazette contributor Alexandra Bisson, George talks about her varied career and what it means to be a leader.
- Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to protective policing?
-
I graduated from Depot in February 2001 and was asked if I would like to go to the Northwest Territories for my first posting. At the time, they weren't sending too many females up there. I ended up just outside of Yellowknife, in a small community called Rae-Edzo [now known as Behchokǫ̀], where I spent three years. I absolutely loved it.
It was a challenging time in terms of police-community relations. I aspired to change the "us versus them" dialogue to a "we" dialogue, because reconciliation relationships are based on mutual respect. I invested my time in community restorative justice programs, mentored two community constables, coached high school girls' volleyball, called bingo, participated in three-day canoe trips, revived and organized a Christmas parade after several years, and visited Elders in retirement homes.
Because I enjoy connecting with people, I was asked to go to the G Division [Northwest Territories] Relief Section. Over the next three years, I had the opportunity to work in all but one detachment in the Northwest Territories. I saw first-hand the challenges and issues that both the members and the people of the North faced. I gained considerable front-line policing experience, and maybe more importantly, an admiration for the communities, the members, and the people I served.
During that time, I met a member, we got married, and we moved to Hay River, Northwest Territories. From the birth of my daughter in Yellowknife to the murder of a colleague (Constable Christopher Worden), my time in the Northwest Territories had a profound impact on me and my development as an RCMP member.
When my husband was transferred to Ottawa, I followed him and joined the Governor General's Protective Detail for five years. This was my foot in the door with Federal Policing. Then, I transferred to Headquarters and worked with Interpol for three years before moving to International Peace Operations. From there, I went to Career Development and Resourcing, where I was promoted to sergeant. I had many supporters and mentors along the way. When I was commissioned, I was actually hoping to go back to contract policing, but I was offered a position overseeing the Prime Minister's Protective Detail, and am very happy with my decision to take on this role and continue my journey with Protective Operations.
- Tell me about your new role. What's involved in overseeing the Prime Minister's Protective Detail?
-
The Prime Minister's Protective Detail has been around for a long time and is very organized - the members are professionals. Just this year, we've had more than 160 deployments, both domestic and international. The unit has more than 100 members in total. It also has 39 vehicles in its fleet, three boats, three utility task vehicles, two all-terrain vehicles, and 22 bicycles. There are over 100 training opportunities for its members.
I'm fortunate to work within a great team and work in partnership with internal partners such as intelligence, planning, training, and divisions from coast to coast, and external partners like the Prime Minister's Office, Privy Council Office, Parliamentary Protective Services, Global Affairs Canada, and more.
- What are your thoughts on leadership and breaking barriers for women?
-
I feel it's my responsibility to carry the torch. There have been female officers in charge of VIP and working as travel officers within Protective Operations, who have been breaking those gender stereotypes, prejudices and barriers against women. Many non-traditional roles have previously been male-dominated, and times are changing.
I think that it's important to make space for everybody in the room; if people have a strong work ethic and a passion for doing what they do, I truly believe that they will succeed in their career. Good things happen to people who work hard. As a leader, you need to listen and support them.
- What advice would you give to aspiring female officers who may look up to you?
-
Hold your head high. Just go do it - you really have to believe in yourself. I've had to work on telling myself that yes, I do have the skills and abilities, because sometimes when you look at the competencies of a job posting, you shy away from them as a woman. You have to believe in yourself and be a strong person. There's lots of support around you in any position you're in; you're not there by yourself. You may be the voice or the face of a unit, as a manager, but at the end of the day, you're not alone. Never forget that.