Some might argue that the idea of examining the role of women in any profession is outdated. Discrimination doesn’t exist, right? The sexes treat each other as equals and there are equal opportunities for all, right? Perhaps, but the fact remains that on average women make up just a small portion of the staff in any security organization. At the City of Toronto, for example, in a unit of 167 people, 19 per cent are women. In the management team, 22 per cent are female in what is considered a progressive organization. Many women in the industry will tell you it’s a terrific career with many growth opportunities.

Recently, Canadian Security talked to five women in the industry about how they worked their way up through the ranks, the opportunities they found and the need for mentors.

Participants (from left to right in photo):

Christina Duffey, CPP, Director, Customer Service, Paragon Security

• ”¢ Two years in the position
• ”¢ Started as security officer in Chicago and Phoenix
• ”¢ Always worked on operations/client management

Judy Shulga, CPP, Staff Sgt. System Security, Special Constable Services, Toronto Transit Commission

• ”¢ With the TTC for 30 years, Shulga started as a plainclothes investigator in a frontline position. Gradually the department evolved to sworn officers with constable services. Her current job is managing the protective services unit

Mieke Clarke, Client service manager, G4S Secure Solutions (Canada)

• ”¢ Three years in the role; 15 years in the security industry
• ”¢ Started as a security guard and worked her way up

Silvia Fraser, CPP, PMP, CSPM, CPO, Supervisor, Buildings Security, Union Station, City of Toronto

• ”¢ Nine years with the City of Toronto, her career in security started 13 years ago with a Law Enforcement and Security diploma and her goal was to become a police officer. Six years ago she became a supervisor and worked on the Union Station security enhancement worth $60 million

Lina Tsakiris, CPP, Physical Security Manager, RBC

• ”¢ Primary responsibilities: Developing security master plans to mitigate risks for RBC in Canada, Europe and Asia.
• ”¢ Four years in the role.
• ”¢ Background in private sector ”“ guard and investigative firms.

Canadian Security: Why do you think so few women enter the field of security?

Lina Tsakiris: I don’t think anybody dreams of a career in security, regardless of gender. They look at policing or justice studies or the criminal justice industry, but the industry has such immense opportunities and a fantastic level of education to support it all at both the college and university level. The infrastructure is there and definitely growing.

Mieke Clarke: I didn’t plan on getting into security — I wanted to go into corrections, but once I got into security I loved it. I think it’s still male dominated in the industry and could be why women are still not as interested in getting into it. It is completely different from 15 years ago to today though. There are more females getting into the industry.

Judy Shulga: I think because I started in corrections in the 1970s there was a big push to break into the male-dominated jobs so they encouraged the college programs and encouraged women to apply. When I started I thought I would be helping people as a corrections officer and it certainly didn’t turn out that way — it was a turn key operation with Toronto West detention centre and I found it was tougher than I thought it would be. One of the things I quickly discovered is you have to have that core sense of courage as a woman to jump into a male-dominated environment. There are certain traits that are fundamental and if there aren’t those inherent traits you will not make it in this industry. It’s important that people understand you can encourage women to go into the industry but they have to be aware of the realities in the industry.

Silvia Fraser: More and more women have become very prominent in positions in the security industry and it’s inspiring for people to join the industry. The industry has changed a lot over the years — right now we have 22 per cent females on the management team at the City (of  Toronto). We try and inspire our staff to move up and learn more — the security field is so wide and there are so many different streams you can go into.
Christina Duffey: When I entered the field there was an image of security and what made people feel safe and I didn’t fit that profile. I think the turning point in the early 1990s was technology and systems and cameras and not having to be out in the dark parking lot by yourself. I saw my skills start to be used a little more in terms of administration and customer service became a value as opposed to just the size and image of an individual wearing a uniform. On the contract side I think it’s been so rewarding because of the variety of assignments I’ve had. I’ve been able to experience small and large complex operations.