Sudbury’s first female police chief outlines her priorities

Sara Cunningham, the first woman to lead the Greater Sudbury Police Service, has been a police officer since she was 21.

Cunningham is following in the footsteps of her father, Jim, who spent more than 30 years with the force.

Sara Cunningham is the first woman to lead the Greater Sudbury Police Service. (Photo from video)

"I'm quite honoured and humbled to take on this role," she told CTV News on Monday.

"Especially for our members here at Greater Sudbury Police Service but (also) for our community, the community that I live in -- that I'm raising my family in."

Cunningham said that when she began her career in policing 26 years ago, becoming the city's first female chief wasn't something she necessarily thought about.

"You asked about being the first female and I’m proud of that," she said.

"I hope it says to our many … female officers here that you can get to the top. And not only do I hope it says that to our internal members, but all females out there. I'm a mom of three daughters. So again, I hope to lead by example in that respect."

Sara Cunningham, the first woman to lead the Greater Sudbury Police Service, has been a police officer since she was 21.

Cunningham said that moving into her new role, she has priorities both internally and externally. In particular, the well-being of officers is a top priority.

"We know this is a tough profession and the landscape of policing is forever changing," she said.

"So, you know, a very membered-centered focus, to ensure our members' wellness here at GSPS and then just continue. I think we have a great momentum going here in the city. We collaboratively work with so many key stakeholders, our city partners."

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To address the growing problem of mental health, addiction and homelessness, she said they all need to work together.

"No agency locally is going to fix any of these problems and we're going to work collaboratively moving forward," Cunningham said.

"That's a commitment from me.”

She began as chief of police on Monday but won't be officially sworn in until a date is set by the Greater Sudbury Police Service Board.