Public servant becomes RCMP officer, credits influence of strong women mentors

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In 2018, Constable MacKenzie Taylor Scott started her career with the RCMP the way many other Public Service Employees do - as a student. After three years as a staffing coordinator for officers in New Brunswick, she made the bold decision to trade her desk for a patrol car and applied to the RCMP to become a police officer. The Gazette sat down with Scott to speak about her journey, highlighting how inspiring role models, particularly strong women leaders, fueled her passion for policing. She also shared her excitement about the prospect of mentoring others in the future.

Why did you become a police officer?

Before working with the RCMP, I never dreamed of becoming a police officer. I believed it was a job only the most courageous and adrenaline-seeking individuals could take on. I didn't believe that I was capable of doing the amazing things these officers did on a daily basis.

However, working alongside the amazing people in the organization changed my perspective, especially during my time in the staffing unit. I interacted with officers who shared their dedication and passion for their roles in the community, and their stories of being pillars of safety and respect inspired me!

Over time, I realized that it's not superhuman officers who take the calls - it's every day people doing extraordinary acts of service that stem from courage and a desire to simply do good in the world. I realized that being an RCMP officer is more than just responding to high-risk situations; it's about serving the community and making a difference - two things that I am extremely passionate about.

Did you have anyone you would consider a mentor?

Yeah, in the early days of my career, I had mentors who motivated me to seek opportunities outside my comfort zone.

I had the opportunity to speak with senior leaders, including Superintendent Charlene O'Neill and Chief Superintendent Annie Pomeroy, about their careers. When asked if they would do it all over again, they both said, without hesitation, that they wouldn't change a thing. It showed me how passionate they are about their work, and that's something I aspire to have. I don't just want a job that pays the bills; I want to make a difference.

What other factors influenced your career decision?

Another person who made a big difference in my decision was Assistant Commissioner DeAnna Hill. I vividly remember her speech at her Change of Command ceremony. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop as she spoke about her career. During her speech, I realized that she was more than just a police officer - she was a mother, a daughter, a wife. Her influence and authenticity inspired me to pursue this job - I even asked her to present me with my badge during my graduation ceremony at Depot. It's a moment I'll cherish for the rest of my career.

What do you think of the role of women in policing?

Women often face pressure to balance home and work, and before working in New Brunswick I believed it was impossible to be both passionately dedicated to one's career and family. But after seeing Assistant Commissioner Hill at the ceremony, surrounded by her family and loved ones, I realized that you don't have to give up one for the other; women can achieve professional success while maintaining a loving, healthy family.

Where do you think you would be today without the influence of your mentors?

Without the influence of my many female mentors, I would likely still be happily working in the Regular Member Staffing Unit in New Brunswick. I loved my job as a Public Service Employee and got a lot of gratification from the work I did, but it was time for a change. I would never have been able to realize my full potential as an RCMP officer without their guidance.

What's your favourite part about being a cop?

Community engagement. There is nothing like showing up to a school or an event where you get to engage on a personal level with all sorts of people. At the end of the day, being a cop is just a uniform and a badge. But there is room for so much more than that if we allow ourselves to truly listen and collaborate with our communities.

What's your advice for someone contemplating becoming an RCMP officer?

Just do it. You'll always come up with reasons not to join: time, money, family. But if you let those reasons stand in your way, you're missing an opportunity of a lifetime to take on a job that is truly unlike any other.