6  H.Q.   Summer 2026
focus of these early years was the collective effort by police 
leaders to develop higher standards for police training and 
development. This effort ultimately led to the creation 
of the Ontario Police College in 1962 and a new, modern 
college in 1977. 
In 1965, the CCAO officially changed its name to the 
Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) to better 
reflect its composition and purpose. The association grew, 
opening its membership to senior officers and managers, 
recognizing the need for specialized leadership skills across 
the chain of command. 
A pivotal shift occurred in 1992 when, recognizing the 
need for a dedicated, professional approach to supporting 
the needs of policing, the OACP hired its first Executive 
Director, Bill Malpass, and established a corporate 
headquarters in Sault St. Marie, Ont. This allowed the 
organization to shift from a mostly volunteer-run body to 
a proactive, professional association with staff focusing on 
advocacy, public affairs and membership services. The 1992 
reforms also enhanced the governance of the association 
by providing specific, formal representation on the Board 
of Directors for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the 
Toronto Police Service (TPS). 
“In 1994, it was my honour and privilege to become the 
43rd president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, 
being one of only three senior officers from the Niagara 
Regional Police Service to have represented this office. 
In the past 30 years of my retirement, I have continued 
to follow the evolution of policing, the growth of the 
association and quality of the leadership, and all appears to 
be in good hands. The vows Police Chiefs made back then 
still stand true today.” 
Frank H. Parkhouse 
Deputy Chief of Police (retired) 
President (1994-1995)
THE MODERN ERA
The turn of the 21st century marked an era of high-level 
professional development and standardization. In 1998, 
the OACP was licensed to deliver the Constable Selection 
System (CSS) in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of 
the Solicitor General (then the Ministry of Community 
Safety and Correctional Services). This system allowed 
for a standardized, merit-based hiring process for 
constables, a major development in ensuring quality 
police candidates. 
In 2001, the OACP further demonstrated its com-
mitment to leadership training by launching the Police 
Leadership Program (PLP) in partnership with the Joseph 
L. Rotman School of Management at the University of 
Toronto, creating a competency-based curriculum for 
senior leaders. Additionally, in 2025, the OACP in collab-
oration with Schulich Executive Education, York University 
and DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University 
– co-developed a leadership program tailored for aspiring 
executive police leaders in Ontario.
“I am very honoured to say that as a long-time member 
of the OACP Board of Directors and then … a significant 
term as the OACP Executive Director, I am so proud of 
the many impressive and important accomplishments 
of the association. Of significance is our efforts with 
respect to providing extraordinary leadership, profes-
sional development and indeed, specific and practical 
operational training for the wide and varied aspects of 
modern policing. In addition, our proven and trusted role 
as [an] advocate is recognized throughout Canada, and 
likely beyond, in all matters related to innovation, law 
enforcement and criminal justice. We are proud of our past 
history and our vision we offer for the future of  
contemporary policing.”
Ronald G. Bain 
Deputy Chief of Police (retired) 
OACP Executive Director (2007-2018)
ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY SAFETY 
The OACP has consistently positioned itself as a key 
partner in community safety with government, police and 
other public service groups. The organization serves as 
the principal bridge between police services, the govern-
ment of Ontario and the public. As the nature of crime 
has evolved – particularly with the rise of digital and tech-
nology-based crime, pressures from demographic shifts, 
balancing public safety needs with human rights, etc. – 
the OACP has continued to provide a platform for Ontario’s 
police leaders to share intelligence, best practices and 
technological solutions. 
The OACP is also committed to focusing on the diversity 
of leadership, ensuring that police leaders represent the 
communities they serve. This includes close partnerships 
with Indigenous police services and Indigenous leaders. 
75 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP 
In our 75th year in 2026, our association continues to 
serve its members through professional development 
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