Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue is the highest ranking female Toronto officer
One of the highest-ranking female officers serving with Toronto Police has been honoured for her 34 years of experience while working in a variety of roles with the force.
Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue was honoured by the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) in a sold-out appreciation dinner held in partnership with Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) for her support of inclusive policing throughout her career.
“We have had the incredible opportunity to honour Lauren Pogue as a long-time supporter of women in law enforcement, an advocate for equity, diversity, and mentoring,” said Superintendent Kim O’Toole, who is also the President of OWLE.
“She really pushed the boundaries and she set the stage for so many people to come behind her,” O’Toole said. “I wish I had a Lauren Pogue as a mentor for me 29 years ago.”
Deputy Chief Pogue has worked up the ladder in with a host of major police units.
She is the second TPS member honoured by the group in two years. Former Chief James Ramer was honoured in 2022.
Adrienne McLennan, a member of the RCMI Board of Directors, said Pogue was nominated for the honour by the Toronto Police Military Veterans Association.
Calling her “a wonderful example of women in policing,” McLennan said “she is a shining example of leadership and I have seen her display the compassionate side of herself.”
While the RCMI had been hosting Police Appreciation nights pre-COVID, it was last year that it decided to honour officers who have created a large impact throughout their careers.
Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue talking about her stellar career.
Although the event celebrated Pogue’s achievements and journey in policing, she reiterated the importance of her own mentors in providing her with career growth opportunities.
“It was truly an incredible honour to be recognized, and given the opportunity to share how progressive, inclusive leaders helped shape my career,” the heralded officer said.
Pogue was appointed Deputy Chief of Police of Community Safety Command more than nine months ago.
She oversees 12 districts consisting of 16 Divisions, plus Field Services, which includes the Toronto Police Operations Centre, Communications Services, Traffic Services, Parking Enforcement, the Public Safety Response Team and the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit.
Pogue addressing a press conference.
Previously as Staff Superintendent, she was responsible for Detective Operations, which includes Intelligence Services, Organized Crime Enforcement and Specialized Criminal Investigations.
These units include high-profile investigative units such as the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit, the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, the Hold-Up Squad and Forensic Identification Services.
She previously served as the Unit Commander of Central District, as Unit Commander of the Hold-Up Squad, and as second-in-command of Intelligence Services.
Pogue fulfilled a number of supervisory roles and was an investigator in various units of the force, including Intelligence Services, the Drug Squad, the Fugitive Squad and the Firearms Enforcement Unit.
The career officer led security teams during the Pan Am Games and was the Ceremonies Chair for the Special Olympics Ontario Invitational Youth Games.
She served as an Incident Commander during many large demonstrations, including the Raptor’s NBA playoff games and the Championship Parade.
The Deputy Chief is also an executive sponsor of the Aboriginal Internal Support Network and Co-Chair of the Chief’s Aboriginal Consultative Committee, working closely with Indigenous Peoples to continue building meaningful partnerships.