4  H.Q.   Summer 2026
D
uring 
my 
term 
as 
president of the Ontario 
Association of Chiefs of 
Police, I have reflected 
on the incredible 
opportunity I’ve had to represent 
police leaders from across the province 
– each a reflection of their own unique 
and diverse regions, communities 
and agencies.
Any initial trepidation I felt about 
leaning into difficult issues was 
replaced by a firm commitment to 
providing a strong voice for our mem-
bers. Throughout my tenure, I met 
many individuals who consistently 
conducted 
themselves 
with 
the 
utmost professionalism and ethical 
clarity. These members – both sworn 
and civilian – worked tirelessly to 
build a public safety sector rooted in 
institutional integrity and public trust.
In keeping with the OACP mission 
of advancing the profession and 
enhancing community safety, I would 
like to highlight some of our recent 
and ongoing work. Our Executive 
Board has maintained a progressive 
pace, implementing priorities outlined 
in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan while 
also undertaking a comprehensive 
review of our governance practices. 
This process led to the creation 
of a Governance and Nomination 
Committee, ensuring consistency and 
fairness as we build future boards 
that reflect the diversity of our mem-
bership. This evolution will continue 
President’s Message
By Chief Mark Campbell, Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service and  
OACP President 
throughout the association, branching 
into our zones as we strengthen 
recruitment for future leadership and 
ensure  there is an effective succes-
sion planning strategy in place.
Our association also remained 
active in advocacy, addressing both 
federal and provincial legislative pro-
posals. This has allowed police chiefs to 
provide vital perspectives on the oper-
ational impacts of upcoming federal 
legislation, most recently regarding 
Bill C-22 (Lawful Access Amendments) 
and Bill C-14 (Proposed Amendments 
to the YCJA). Much of this advocacy 
is informed by the expertise of our 
committees and working groups. We 
deeply appreciate the dedication of 
these committee members, as well 
as the police leaders who encourage 
their staff to participate in these 
professional development pathways, 
which are essential to the long-term 
health of our organizations.
The OACP remains committed 
to 
advocating 
for 
sound 
public 
policy, 
strengthening 
government 
and community ties, and providing 
training designed for modern policing 
needs. We also continue to advance 
leadership through formal programs, 
conferences and academic partner-
ships. Notably, our first Executive Police 
Leadership cohort launched in early 
2026 through our partnership with 
the DeGroote and Schulich Schools of 
Business. This program is the result 
of years of OACP advocacy to develop 
executives with the unique skill sets 
required today. Several OACP board 
members serve as mentors within the 
curriculum, offering crucial operational 
and strategic perspectives to the next 
generation of leaders. Other training 
forums continue to address critical 
challenges, such as crisis manage-
ment, people-first strategies and 
collaborative innovation.
These accomplishments build on 
the OACP’s 75-year history of sup-
porting senior leaders – a legacy of 
excellence that dates back to the days 
of Chief Clarence Bagnall. We were 
proud to showcase this strategic work 
during the 2026 Annual Conference 
in Niagara Falls. This event brought 
police leaders and board governors 
together for professional develop-
ment, networking and celebration.
This landmark occasion is made 
possible through the hard work of 
OACP staff, under the leadership of 
executive director Paul Pedersen. 
It is my hope that we will continue 
to build on our past while we move 
forward confidently.
Mark Campbell 
Chief, Strathroy-Caradoc  
Police Service 
President, Ontario Association of 
Chiefs of Police

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