Police Foundations program unlocks new ways for former teacher to support community

Seven-year-old Nazia Murrad and her mother were walking down a sidewalk in Pakistan when they saw a man who wasn’t wearing shoes. 

“I took my shoes off and gave them to that man,” recalls Murrad, who is now 53 years old and a mother of four. “Of course, you realize now that a child giving an adult their shoes doesn't really help. But I've been told that I gave like that all the time, and that I didn't even think about being barefoot myself.” 

That desire to help others has remained in Murrad throughout her life. After earning her Master's degree in economics at the University of Punjab, she was faced with a decision: pursue a career in finance or become an elementary school teacher. She chose the latter, passing on more lucrative opportunities in order to make a difference in the life of young children — particularly those with learning disabilities. 

Even as a teacher, however, Murrad often felt frustrated that she couldn't do more. "I would see children in the classroom who had empty stomachs or were dealing with domestic violence in their homes, and I knew they were going to have trouble learning," she said. "I felt confined by the four walls of the classroom." 

After immigrating to Canada in 2018 and realizing she'd need to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in order to teach in Ontario, Murrad decided it was time to find a different way to do meaningful work. She just didn't know what that work could be or how to find it.  

She started volunteering in her community while also holding down part-time jobs as a security guard, cashier and school bus driver. At one point, she was working at Walmart during the day and as a security guard at night. 

“I was everywhere. If my kids went on the bus, mom was driving the bus. If they went to Walmart, mom was cashing them out. It was really hard, but my goal was to get into services,” said Murrad. 

In September 2022, after watching two of her children leave the house to embark on their own college educations, Murrad began browsing postsecondary programs and came upon Sheridan's Police Foundations diploma. 

“Starting a new career at my age... was this a good idea? Would I be able to pass the courses. Was I physically fit for policing? All these questions clouded my judgment. I gave it another day to think. Law enforcement was never my goal. I didn’t even have any goals anymore. The common cultural norm is that when you are 50-plus, there is not much of a world left for you. Anyway, I stopped overthinking and decided to give it a try,” said Murrad. 

A week later, she began her first class at Sheridan. Fascinated by the knowledge of law, justice, and crime, policing became her passion and her goal.  

Murrad shares, “Sheridan’s Police Foundations program changed my life and opened new doors for me. From the Criminal Code to Community Service and Diversity, from Forensics to Conflict Resolution, it’s a whole world of valuable knowledge. It also helps you pass the written, physical and mental evaluations in the hiring stages of Police Services. I am glad I chose this program.” 

Within 18 months, Murrad became a Special Constable — a sworn Peace Officer who can be granted all or some of the authorities of a police officer, dependent on how their role is defined — within the Queen's Park detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. And last month, she graduated with honours from Police Foundations, with her OPP Sergeant Anngelee Milton cheering her on from the crowd at Sheridan's Spring Convocation. 

Murrad’s experience was enhanced by the dedication of her professors in the program (Jessica Mclean, Tanya Philp, Stephen Jones, Harris Huska and Jeffery Corey, and through the unwavering support of OPP Sgt. Milton. 

In Murrad’s words: 

“What inspired a school teacher to leave the classroom and move to law enforcement is a question many people ask, of course. Teaching and mentoring are very rewarding careers, no doubt. But I wanted to do more, to make a difference in the community, to be a part of people’s struggles. 

I think there is nothing better than police services to do that, working at the front lines to empower communities and serve in the field. 

For everyone looking for a second career, especially older people and especially women: it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Never give up. You can't even imagine what you can do until you actually do it. Don't underestimate yourself, age is not a limitation, age is just a … number!”

Learn about Sheridan’s two-year Police Foundations program: https://www.sheridancollege.ca/programs/police-foundations