The Official Publication of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police 7 opportunities such as conferences, seminars and zone meetings, adapting to new realities such as mental health and addiction crisis response and community-oriented policing. The OACP remains dedicated to its original goals: improving policing through advocacy, professionalizing management and fostering a unified voice for Ontario’s police leaders. We have evolved from a small advocacy group into an essential pillar of Ontario’s public safety infrastructure, shaping the professional landscape of policing in the province for over seven decades. “For three-quarters of a century, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has served as the vital heartbeat of law enforcement leadership in our province. As a former president, I have seen firsthand how the OACP transcends individual jurisdictions to build a unified, expert voice that directly shapes the legislative and operational landscape of public safety. “The association’s true relevancy lies in its ability to evolve – meeting modern challenges with innovation while remaining anchored in the core values of integrity and community service. By fostering collaboration among leaders, the OACP ensures that every service in Ontario is equipped to protect our citizens effectively. As we celebrate 75 years, we don’t just look back at our history; we reaffirm our commitment to defining the future of a safer, more resilient Ontario.” Charles Bordeleau Chief of Police (retired) OACP President (2016-2017) LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Under the direction of the current Executive Director, Paul Pedersen, the OACP is looking forward to a strong and proactive future. While the 75-year milestone is an occasion to reflect upon the rich history of leadership and past successes, we are always looking to evolve, refine and commit to a public safety future that reflects the needs and aspirations of Ontarians. Our immediate goals are focused on operationalizing and delivering on a modernized vision, mission, values and goals, as laid out in its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. “To future police leaders: never forget that leadership is a privilege, not an entitlement. You will be judged less by what you say and more by what you tolerate, the standards you model and the trust you build. Lead with integrity, even when it costs you personally, and have the courage to make difficult decisions for the right reasons. Be authentic, consistent and fair – because culture is shaped by what leaders do every day, not what is written in policy. “Care for your people, demonstrate and demand professionalism, listen to your communities and remain open to learning and change. If you lead with humility, accountability and purpose, you will strengthen not only your organization, but the legitimacy of policing itself.” Chief Peter Moreira Durham Regional Police Service OACP First Vice President A COMMON PURPOSE Teamwork has been the driving force behind the OACP since its inception, inspiring the creation and establish- ment of over 40 dedicated committees that work tirelessly to advance advocacy and public safety. This collaborative approach is also what prompted the OACP to take a leadership role in advocating for the various issues police services face across the province, and also what led to the development of the Constable Selection System (CSS) as a way of establishing a consistent process of assessing qualified candidates who will become Ontario’s future police leaders. As the OACP approaches its 75th anniver- sary, teamwork remains essential to achieving its goals, ensuring the association preserves its outstanding history while maintaining a record of progress for generations to come. The OACP takes this opportunity to express appreciation for all those who have contributed to the OACP in these past 75 years. We salute those who, today, carry on with the traditions and high purpose of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. Dr. José Luís Couto is a public policy and communications professional with 38 years of experience in public affairs, research and strategic communications. Dr. Couto joined the OACP in 2004 as Director of Government Relations and Communications. In February 2026, he was appointed Director of Strategic Initiatives, Research and Corporate Communications. Larissa Pereira is a Research and Committees Specialist for the OACP. In addition to working closely with OACP committees, Pereira provides assistance to the board and senior directors, as well as in OACP communications, advocacy and member services initiatives.
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