In this first PolicingTV interview with Shawna Coxon, Deputy Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Bernard Rix looks back at her policing career from Toronto to Ireland. Shawna explains how she joined the Toronto Police Service almost by accident, what her first years in one of Canada’s busiest divisions were really like, and how those early experiences shaped her views on policing, victims and reform.
The conversation also explores her early undercover work, her move through a wide range of policing roles, and why victim support has remained central to her leadership philosophy. Shawna then explains how an unexpected opportunity in Ireland eventually led her to apply for a senior role in An Garda Síochána — despite never expecting to be appointed — and reflects on the difficult transition of moving country during COVID with no established process in place.
Key takeaways
- Shawna Coxon joined the Toronto Police Service almost by accident.
- Her first frontline posting was in one of the busiest police divisions in Canada.
- On her first day she made two arrests and received a complaint that took two years to clear.
- Early undercover work opened the door to wider investigative roles.
- Shawna says her strongest professional focus has always been on victims.
- She links officer wellbeing directly to the quality of service victims receive.
- Her positive experiences with An Garda Síochána helped shape her interest in moving to Ireland.
- She describes the move to Ireland as difficult but ultimately a major opportunity for growth.
Chapters
00:32 – Meet Shawna Coxon
01:40 – How she joined policing by accident
05:07 – Surviving one of Canada’s busiest divisions
07:17 – Going undercover early in her career
09:16 – Why victims stayed at the centre
11:01 – Why leave Toronto for Ireland?
12:18 – Her first experiences of An Garda Síochána
14:44 – Moving countries during COVID
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