President ’s Message

By Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie, OACP President

“Pressure is a privilege and champions adjust.”

Billie Jean King, the iconic tennis star, stated these famous words back in the 1980s and the sentiment and reality of what she meant couldn’t be more relevant for police leaders in today’s challenging environment.

I have always believed that there is no greater calling than service to others. Giving oneself to a cause that is bigger or more important than you, a calling that asks more from you than it sometimes gives – this is the reality of modern-day police leadership. You as a police leader should be proud that you play a role in society that many don’t have the heart or courage to do.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

During often difficult times for our profession, we need to take time to thank every police leader in Canada who chooses a life of service. Once in a while, we all need a reminder of how valuable they are to their organization and community.

I was pleased to be selected as deputy chief in 2018 after five years of contributing at senior officer ranks. Shortly after my appointment, I received a congratulatory message from a chief from another province. I did not know this chief personally, but I instantly felt a bond when they told me, “Police leadership is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions that you will ever have. It can be lonely at times, and we need to lean on each other to support, celebrate and lift one another up in good and tough times. Give me a call anytime.”

YOU AS A POLICE LEADER SHOULD BE PROUD THAT YOU PL AY A ROLE IN SOCIETY THAT MANY DON’T HAVE THE HEART OR COURAGE TO DO.

That message had such an impact on me, and I have kept it for years. Why? Because it is not only a solid reminder of the role we play as police leaders, but also a responsibility to one another as leaders. I have made it a point to pay that personal connection forward, to check in on police leaders, to commend them for their successes and lift them up when times are tough. It is contagious and impactful, and I encourage you to make it a habit. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will the recipient of your message or call.

CONNECT REGULARLY

As the president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), I am truly humbled at the opportunity to serve our policing sector, advocate on key issues and represent the voice of police leaders in this great province. Our OACP staff, executive board and the 30+ committees that do tremendous work on our collective behalf are so very important when it comes to enhancing public safety and ensuring exceptional service to our communities. I could not be more proud of the efforts and contributions that each make every day.

In my role, I make it a point to regularly connect with police leaders from across the province. Whether it be at a zone or committee meeting, conferences or training sessions, this engagement is so very important. The talent, commitment and compassion demonstrated by police leaders and their organizations is simply amazing. Despite the size, geographic location or localized challenges in Ontario, I see a group of committed servant leaders who want the best for their communities and organizations.

We have discussed emerging issues, the impacts of social disorder, crime trends, justice sector modernization opportunities, budget challenges, technology advancements, legislative changes and evolving community expectations. At times there is frustration, but there is always hope and opportunity because police leaders take on those challenges, they analyze their environment, they look to the future and have the strategic foresight to set pathways of success in motion to meet the needs of their members, their organizations and their communities.

Not everyone sees that, but I have a front-row seat at one of the best shows in this province. Watching police leaders adapt, challenge and think differently to be relevant, productive and successful for the benefit of others is special. This is not an easy task , but that pressure is truly a privilege.

Please remember that your leadership journey does not have to be a lonely one. Lean on one another, celebrate successes, and lift others up when they need support. That phone call or message to check in on someone might be the most important thing you do that day. Embrace the pressure, understand the privilege and take care of each other.

Roger Wilkie served as OACP President in 2024-25. He can be reached at Roger. Wilkie@haltonpolice.ca.

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