Nicole Juteau

In 1975, Nicole Juteau made history as Quebec’s first female police officer. She faced many obstacles, including barriers to pursuing studies in police foundations which at the time was reserved for men. With determination and the support of those around her, she was admitted to the program, and was eventually hired by the Sûreté du Québec in June 1975.

Juteau was first limited to administrative duties when she joined the Sûreté du Québec, due to the Quebec Police Commission’s rule at that time that specified only men who were at least 5 foot 8 inches and 140 pounds could be officers. This meant that Juteau could not work as an officer for several months. Once this restriction was amended in August 1975, allowing women to work as police officers, Juteau eventually became an undercover officer with the special investigations unit. In her work, she strategically used her gender, posing as the wife of another undercover officer.

Juteau went on to have a long and successful career, including doing intelligence operations during the Quebec Biker War. Now retired, Juteau mentors young women wanting to work in law enforcement.