How this psychology graduate is leading police reform
Shawna Coxon never intended to go into law enforcement.
“I’d had negative experiences with the police growing up,” she explains. “I thought I would go into law or social work. Both required more education, and I was struggling because I was paying for everything myself. I was broke.”
Today, she’s the Deputy Commissioner of Strategy, Governance, and Performance at An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national security and police service. Since graduating from Glendon with a BA in Psychology, she’s earned an MA in Criminology, a PhD in Law, and built a 25-year career in law enforcement both in Canada and Ireland. She originally chose Glendon because she was interested in learning about what motivates people and liked that Glendon’s small campus felt like she’d be part of a community. To outsiders, it may appear as if Shawna knew exactly what she wanted her career to look like, but she insists it was the opposite.
“When I graduated, I didn’t know what to do next,” Shawna recalls. “I felt like everyone around me had a plan and knew what to do. I didn’t have a roadmap. I remember feeling overwhelmed at my graduation and scared about what the future would hold. If you’re reading this and you feel that way too – it’s normal. Try many things to determine where your heart is happiest and just start by taking one step toward it.”
From Toronto to Ireland
After graduating from Glendon, she applied to the Toronto Police Service to support a friend and was shocked when they wound up hiring her.
“I loved it from the start because it was a perfect mix of social work and law.”
She loved the TPS so much that she stayed for 24 years, becoming a Deputy Chief leading Priority Response Command who was, as described by the Toronto Police Services Board, “a champion for transformation and modernization”.
The opportunity to move to Ireland came unexpectedly, but it was perfectly aligned to her interests and her vision for law enforcement’s role in society. She applied to be Deputy Commissioner, because she was excited for the chance to work on the largest police reform movement in the world.
“I think policing is changing more quickly than it ever has. Community expectations are evolving, and the public sector has to make big shifts to ensure relevance. I love being in a space of innovation and creation. That movement has shifted from the private and academic sector into big government. The opportunity to take systems and revamp them is exciting. It’s a unique time in history.”
Pushing doors open and holding them open for others
Her journey to date has made her especially conscious of supporting others to accomplish their goals.
“I’ve done lots of volunteer work from travelling to different countries to working at orphanages to mentoring people both formally and informally,” says Shawna. “In the last few years, I’ve mainly served on boards and mentored others. It is a natural progression to move from serving others to getting the next generation ready to create their own legacy. It has always made my heart sing to help others, but there is a renewed joy in seeing the next group of leaders step up to serve in their own unique way.
“I’m proud that I’ve pushed doors open and held them open for people behind me. I hope I’ve created new paths for others that are now well trodden.”
Rapid Fire Questions
Who or what inspires you? The women and men I’ve gotten to work with over the years. I’ve seen police officers do extraordinary things to help others in impossible circumstances. I have countless inspiring stories of things I’ve seen over my career.
What is your favourite city in the world? Prague because it’s The City of Dreams.
What would you like to say to younger “you”? Don’t worry so much. Stop rushing. Enjoy the journey more. (People told me this. I just didn’t listen.)
What is your favourite place on campus? The greenhouse. It was next to Hilliard Residence and it’s quiet. It’s the best kept secret on campus.