Celebrating Policing ExcellenceOACP’s 75 years of leadershipBy Dr. José Luís Couto, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Research and Corporate Communications; and Larissa Pereira, Research and Committees Specialist, Ontario Association of Chiefs of PoliceIt was early in a new decade when a group of police leaders in Ontario came together to launch a new leadership project. The year was 1951 and police professionals, like so many of the communities they served, were still reeling from the effects of World War II while simultaneously facing the rising tensions of the Cold War, among other international conflicts. Despite the political, social and economic instability of the time, policing leaders remained resilient, and 75 years later, those same qualities of adaptive leadership remain central to Ontario's policing mission and enduring commitment to community safety.Now with more than 1,200 members representing municipal, provincial, federal and Indigenous police services, along with affiliated organizations in the public and private sectors, the OACP remains committed to advancing the profession of policing and enhancing community safety.“Looking back on 75 years, leaders today stand on the shoulders of giants. The legacy of progressive leadership has continued unbroken and continues forward with nobility and pride. As the current executive director, I am proud to accept the baton that has been handed to me by dedicated professionals beginning with Bill Malpass, through Ron Bain and Jeff McGuire, and on to me to run this leg of the relay.The strength of OACP has always been the sum of all its parts: the collective, trusted voice of police leadership representing the members of police services and the voices of communities who look to leadership to build community safety. Moving forward, armed with a strong strategic plan, we will continue to be forward-thinking, to be the trusted voice that delivers impactful advocacy and that advances the profession of policing every day.”Paul Pedersen
OACP Executive Director, 2024-presentA SHORT HISTORY OF THE OACP While police leaders in Ontario belonged to national organizations like the Chief Constables’ Association of Canada (now the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police) since 1905, by 1951, many Ontario chiefs felt their specific provincial issues were not being adequately addressed. In response, the Chief Constables’ Association of Ontario (CCAO) was founded, with Chief Constable Clare Bagnal of the Chatham Police serving as the First President from 1951 to 1953.
The CCAO was created during a time of significant change in our province. In policing, the focus shifted towards establishing uniform training and professional standards. A major milestone in the association’s history was its active role in the establishment of the Ontario Police College in 1962, which significantly increased the profes- sionalism and capability of municipal police officers across the province.
The 1960s and ’70s brought rapid social changes that required more sophisticated policing methods. The association adjusted to these demands by expanding its scope beyond high-level strategic meetings to address the operational and ethical standards of policing. A significant 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 commitment 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 technology-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 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 PresidentA 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 anniversary, 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.