Born: September 22, 1954 (Laval, Quebec)
Biography:
Nicole Juteau (born September 22, 1954) is a retired Canadian law enforcement agent who, in 1975, became Quebec’s first female police officer. She served with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Quebec’s provincial police force, from 1975 to 2001.
Juteau was born on September 22, 1954, in Laval, Quebec. Her father was a firefighter, and she grew up witnessing the bravery and dedication of first responders. From a young age, Juteau had a dream of becoming a police officer. She was particularly fascinated by accident scenes near her childhood home, where she would rush to watch the first responders in action.
Although women had served in administrative roles in Quebec police forces since the early 1920s, they were limited in their duties and capabilities. In 1925, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) started hiring women called femmes de peine to guard, search, and escort prisoners. However, these women were not allowed to carry firearms or make arrests.
Juteau’s journey to becoming a police officer was not without challenges. When she started at CEGEP in September 1972, she was unable to apply to the police technology program at Collège Ahuntsic because it did not admit women at the time. Instead, she enrolled in the correctional technology program, which offered similar courses during the first year. Through a counselor unfamiliar with the college’s policies, she managed to switch to the police technology program. Although her maneuver was later discovered, the administration allowed her to continue on the condition that she would not sue the college if she could not find a job.
In the fall of 1973, Juteau and two other women, Diane Lafontaine and Marie-Claire Gagnon, were accepted into the Institut de police du Québec in Nicolet. The experience at the institute was challenging for Juteau, as the instructors showed little interest in her. However, her determination and skills played a crucial role in her success. With her proficiency in karate and years of experience with firearms through family hunting trips, she excelled in the program, placing third in a class of 49 in the physical tests.
After completing her training, Juteau approached recruiters from various police forces. Only two were open to hiring women: the City of Sainte-Foy, now part of Quebec City, and the SQ. She applied to both but was ultimately hired by the SQ on June 17, 1975. Initially assigned to administrative duties for the first four months, Juteau slowly started breaking barriers and proving herself in a male-dominated profession.
Throughout her career with the Sûreté du Québec, Juteau faced numerous obstacles and biases. She had to prove herself repeatedly, but her dedication and determination helped her gain the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Over time, Juteau took on more challenging roles, including investigations and fieldwork, where she showcased her exceptional skills as a police officer.
Juteau’s impact on society cannot be overstated. As Quebec’s first female police officer, she paved the way for other women and shattered the gender barriers within law enforcement. Her achievements broke long-standing stereotypes and inspired other women to pursue careers in policing.
Motivated by a passion for justice and a desire to serve her community, Juteau dedicated her life to maintaining law and order. Her contributions to women’s history are significant, as she demonstrated that women are equally capable of excelling in law enforcement, providing a valuable role model for future generations of female police officers.
Awards:
– The Order of Merit of the Police Forces (1995)
– Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
– Officer of the National Order of Quebec (2004)
– Quebec Police Medals of Honor (2005)