Joanne Waite

Joanne Waite is a retired York Regional Police who had a 34-year policing career where she specialized in investigations of crimes against women and children; responsible for complex large-scale major cases mostly involving serial and predatory sexual assaults, physical and sexual offences against children, and intimate partner domestic violence.

During her career Joanne was recognized for her professional skill by receiving the American Society for Industrial Security (Toronto Chapter) Achievement Award for investigative work in a large-scale fraud investigation. Also, more recently, Joanne was nominated for the “Excellence in Policing” Award by Ontario Women in Law Enforcement in relation to the investigation and successful resolution of a heinous sexual assault incest case.

Over the years, Joanne continued with higher education earning the Certificate in Police Leadership, “Law and Justice” Specialty in 2012 from Dalhousie University, followed by completion of an Honours Degree Bachelor of Human Services (Police Studies) in 2019 through Georgian College.

From 2012-2020 Joanne was a Board of Directors member at Fernie Youth Services in Toronto; a non-profit organization that provides a path for youth from the criminal justice system to responsible adulthood. Soon after moving to Kawartha Lakes in 2020 Joanne joined the Women’s Resources Board of Directors as she believes in supporting women who are living in or fleeing abusive relationships.