International Women’s Day 2025: Jo McCabe leads her team to break down barriers for women in policing

When Jo McCabe first donned the Western Australia Police Force uniform, she was answering a calling to serve, protect and support the most vulnerable in the world’s biggest police beat. Over nearly four decades, Ms McCabe has built a distinguished career defined by courage, leadership and a relentless commitment to public safety while paving the way for future officers. From her early days as a frontline officer in Carnarvon to leading major police districts and, ultimately, stepping into the role of Specialist and Support Services Assistant Commissioner, she has helped to shape the force’s response to some of the state’s most complex challenges. Today, ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, Ms McCabe ensures WA Police remains at the forefront of road policing, counterterrorism and emergency response. “I was drawn to law enforcement because I wanted to make a difference, supporting our most vulnerable victims and communities in their time of need,” she said. “I was brought up in a family which values honesty, integrity and work ethic, so I naturally gravitated towards an organisation with the same cultural values.” Policing a staggering 2.5 million square kilometres brings great challenges and responsibility. WA’s sheer scale, with its long distances and diverse communities, demands agility, innovation and strong local relationships. “The most significant challenge is ensuring a timely police presence and response across such a large geographical area, particularly in remote parts with limited resourcing,” Ms McCabe said. “To address this, we focus on building strong relationships with local communities and providing officers with the tools and technology needed to respond quickly to incidents. “We also regularly exercise our plans, working directly with the local and district emergency coordinators to ensure we are well prepared to respond to emergencies. “Our heavy investment in our air and water assets, including our drone capability, have provided us with the ability to respond better than we ever have.” Community trust is also at the heart of effective policing, especially in remote areas. A hands-on approach helps to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, fostering respect, understanding and shared problem-solving. “Building trust requires personal investment and genuine proactive engagement with the community,” Ms McCabe said. “Our officers regularly participate in local events, engage in community forums and work with community leaders to understand and address local issues. “Integrity and accessibility are key to maintaining trust, ensuring our services are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of these diverse communities. “The most rewarding aspect of my current role is seeing the positive impact that our work has on the safety and wellbeing of our communities. “I am also passionate about the ongoing development of our officers, providing everyone the opportunity to learn and thrive to ensure policing in WA continues to be the best.” Throughout her career, Ms McCabe has been a driving force in making the WA Police Force more inclusive, advocating for gender equality and diversity across all ranks. She is particularly proud of the major strides her team has made in breaking down barriers for women in policing, creating pathways into roles which were not traditionally options for them. While progress has been made, Ms McCabe acknowledges there is still more work to do. “Having the opportunity to help organise our 100 Years of Women in Policing celebrations provided me with the opportunity to truly recognise the significant contribution of the women who came before us and appreciate our progress in gender equality,” she said. “However, even in 2025, we have a way to go before gender is no longer on the agenda and is simply the norm. “I have a quote I use regularly, ‘women are overmentored and undersponsored’. “Leaders must continue to create a flexible, supportive and inclusive environment which actively promotes gender equality and removes those barriers hindering women in reaching their full potential.” To encourage more women into law enforcement, Ms McCabe emphasised the importance of visibility, leadership opportunities and flexible work arrangements. “Increasing visibility of women in senior leadership, specialist and crime roles, and working in a range of flexible work options, will also see WA Police Force as an employer of choice, opening the door to many women who believe policing could never be their destiny,” she said. For Ms McCabe, this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls’ is a reminder to keep pushing forward for progress, not just in policing. “It represents the continuous momentum we must maintain in advancing gender equality and empowering women in all sectors of society,” she said. “Our leaders need to understand the changes in our societal norms and the needs of their workers and families. “It is a call to action to push for progress, break down barriers and leave a legacy of positive change. “I will be marking the day by reflecting on the progress we have made in policing but also reaffirming my commitment to march forward and continue the work started by our very first women in policing Laura Chipper and Helen Dugdale.”