This year’s Annual Conference theme is “Legacy. Innovation. Service. – 75 Years.” As we celebrate our association’s 75th anniversary, the conference will focus on leadership and excellence in policing that serves as a catalyst for positive change and provides a forum for learning, collaboration, inspiration, and networking. This conference ultimately benefits the communities served by Ontario’s dedicated police professionals as attendees are guided from awareness to action on ways to improve service delivery and how to best equip your organization to adapt and thrive in a changing landscape.
Sunday, May 31
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Registration from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sheraton Fallsview 3rd Floor - Pre Function Great B |
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Thank you to Smart Serve Ontario for partnering with us!
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Niagara Distillery
Kick off the OACP Annual Conference in style at our Ice Breaker Evening at Niagara Distillery! Join colleagues and friends for a relaxed and lively night of networking, conversation, and connection in one of Niagara’s most iconic venues. Enjoy locally crafted spirits, great company, and the perfect atmosphere to reconnect with peers and spark new conversations before the conference begins. This is the must-attend event to set the tone for an unforgettable week — we look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, June 1
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Registration from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Sheraton Fallsview 3rd Floor - Pre Function Great B |
| Opening Ceremony 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. proudly sponsored by Canadian Bankers Association |
Thank you to Canadian Bankers Association for partnering with us!
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Partnership Spotlight - NicheRMS 365 |
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Chris Bushell is the Vice President of Market and Business Operations, Americas at NicheRMS365, where he has dedicated 24 years to driving growth and operational excellence. Throughout his tenure, Chris has focused on deepening his understanding of the goals, challenges, and long-term vision of the police services Niche supports, strengthening the company’s unwavering commitment to their success. Chris is especially passionate about harnessing AI because, in its most advanced form, AI can have the effect of increasing authorized strength—by proactively identifying opportunities for improving public safety outcomes – whilst reducing administrative burden and freeing officers to focus on what matters most: serving and protecting their communities.
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Keynote Speaker - Chief Superintendent Darren Campbell 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. |
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C/Supt. Darren Campbell has served with the RCMP for more than 35 years. His service has taken him from the pacific coast to central Canada, to the maritime provinces of eastern Canada and internationally. In his most recent roles, he was the Criminal Operations Officer for the RCMP in New Brunswick, and he recently returned from a one-year international mission in the Middle East serving as the Director of Law Enforcement and Public Safety for the Office of Security Coordination for Isreal and the Palestinian Authority. He has an extensive background in a variety of operational roles from oversight and command of all specialized policing units within the criminal operations realm. He has dedicated more than 23 years of his service to investigating, commanding and providing investigative oversight in the areas of singular, mass murder and serial homicide investigations. He is Member of the Order of Merit of Police Forces, an accredited major case management Team Commander, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a frequent major case management and investigative techniques facilitator at the Canadian Police College and the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. At the time of the Nova Scotia mass casualty incident, C/Supt. Campbell was the Support Services Officer for the Nova Scotia RCMP. He served in that role from October 2018 to June of 2022.
About the Session The Nova Scotia Mass Casualty incident is known as Canada’s most devastating active shooter incident. The lives of twenty-two innocent people were taken by single gunman, Gabriel Wortman. The lasting impact of the tragedy will remain with the victims, survivors, surviving family members, the Nova Scotia first responder’s community and the people of Nova Scotia. Every major incident encountered by the police presents opportunities to reflect and to learn from these incidents, regardless of how well or how poorly they were managed and executed. The Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Incident was subject to a joint, federal/ provincial commission of inquiry know as the Mass Casualty Commission or MCC. The MCC produced a seven volume, 3000-page report with respect to the incident and made several recommendations. The purpose of this presentation is to relay the facts and to have the participants reflect on what they are doing to prepare themselves for a similar or worse incident within their areas of jurisdiction/ responsibility. Participants are asked to put themselves in the shoes of those who responded over the 19th and 20th of April 2020 and into the more than two years that followed leading up to the MCC inquiry. This presentation is for everyone who works for police services and for those who support the police in their work. Patrol members, Operational Communication Centre staff, Critical Incident Commanders and other resources attached to critical incident program, tactical operators, Major Crimes Investigators, Forensic Identification Specialists, Behavioural Science specialists, Domestic Violence Coordinators, Emergency Management resources, Human Resource Specialists, Wellness Coordinators, Strategic Communications personnel, police supervisors and police managers, Police Board members and government/ public safety leadership. Topics normally embedded in the presentation include:
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Session 1 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. |
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About Kimberley Armstrong, Chief People Officer Kim Armstrong joined the Calgary Police Service in 2023 as the Chief People Officer (CPO) and brings an extensive professional background in municipal and provincial government, as well as law enforcement. Kim’s role at CPS is to lead the Bureau of People and Organizational Development, which offers member-focused supports in the areas of learning, recruitment, human resources, and wellness. Kim also plays an instrumental role in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within the Service. Prior to joining the Calgary Police Service, Kim served as the Deputy City Manager for Employee Services at the City of Edmonton – an organization of 14,000 employees. Previous positions include the Deputy Minster for two portfolios in the Government of Alberta, Status of Women and Seniors and Her experience, combined with her passion for people and law enforcement, continues to further expand and strengthen the vital work underway in the bureau dedicated to our people. She is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Superintendent Nadine Wagner leads the Learning and Recruitment Division of the Calgary Police Service, where she is responsible for Service-wide training and sworn recruitment. She is deeply committed to equipping members with the tools, knowledge, and support systems they need to serve Calgarians with excellence— and to complete their careers happy, healthy, and whole. Since joining the Service in 2002, Supt. Wagner has brought her collaborative leadership style to a wide range of investigative and operational roles. Her experience includes frontline patrol, drug enforcement, and undercover work, along with specialized assignments in the Child Abuse, Homicide, and Domestic Conflict Units. She has also served in leadership roles in District 5 and as Acting Superintendent in the Criminal Investigations Division. Most recently, she led the Technical Investigations Section, where she oversaw the Cyber Forensics, Economic Crimes, Technical Support, and Robbery and Arson Units. Across all these roles, Supt. Wagner has prioritized teamwork, innovation, and strategic partnerships—particularly with the private sector—to enhance investigative capabilities and service delivery. A long-standing advocate for member wellness and inclusive workplace culture, Supt. Wagner has championed initiatives that promote mental health, gender equity, and psychological safety. Her work includes a notable collaboration with the University of Calgary and the Art of the Nudge to support respectful workplace practices. As a Peer Support Team member since 2005, she has provided compassionate leadership through some of the Service’s most challenging moments, including the line-of-duty death of a colleague. Supt. Wagner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Calgary and a Graduate Certificate in Values Based Leadership at Royal Roads University. She also serves as the Chair of the Aventa Centre of Excellence for Women with Addictions, a non-profit offering trauma-informed treatment for women. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, spending time with her family, and playing volleyball with the CPS Sharpshooters team. About the Session Title: Calgary Police Service Journey of Shaping Culture Through Leadership Development, Growth Mindset and Accountability This session will outline how through an innovative approach, Calgary Police moved from development to accountability by establishing a performance framework that includes developmental assessments, performance management, and complaint management. They concurrently established six leadership competencies for the Service and underpin the Performance Framework. The team from Calgary Police Services’ Bureau of People and Organizational Development will also highlight a transformational approach to changing culture called the Art of the Nudge: Advancing Equity and Belonging, an initiative developed with academia over 5 years.
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Keynote Speaker 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
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Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, majestically situated within Queen Victoria Park, offers breathtaking views of both the Horseshoe and American Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Housed in a striking early-20th-century building distinguished by its green copper roof and stately stone façade, the restaurant seamlessly blends historic elegance with refined hospitality. Its panoramic vistas and celebration of Niagara’s exceptional local flavours create an unparalleled dining experience befitting a landmark occasion. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to commemorate its 75th Anniversary at this iconic venue. The OACP President’s Night at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant promises to be an extraordinary evening of celebration, fellowship, and reflection in one of Canada’s most spectacular settings—an event not to be missed.
Motorola Solutions is solving for safer. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions enable the collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises that’s critical for a proactive approach to safety and security. Learn how we’re solving for safer everywhere. www.motorolasolutions.com
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About Chris Bushell, VP, Business Operations
About Chief Superintendent Darren Campbell
About Superintendent Nadine Wagner
President's Night
This eventful evening is proudly sponsored by Motorola Solutions.Tuesday, June 2
| Partnership Spotlight - Municipal Parking Services Inc. (MPS) 8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.  |
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Since 2013 Municipal Parking Services, Inc. (MPS) has emerged as a pioneering force in the smart parking industry. MPS is committed to transforming urban landscapes by providing cutting-edge internet parking solutions. Cities use the MPS solar-powered SafetyStick® to achieve 24/7 enforcement of restricted parking zones, including loading zones, bus stops, bike lanes, ride share zones, fire lanes and anywhere you should NOT park. This tool helps prevent congestion and makes roadways safer and provides 24/7 enforcement. The device is easily installed curbside and requires no up-front costs. MPS makes it easy for officers to approve or reject violations that occur throughout the day using our online platform. MPS’s patented technology is deployed in cities across North America. |
| Keynote Speaker - Frank Fazio
AI Won't Replace Chiefs - But it Might Embarrass Them: Using AI without the Blowback 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |
 About Frank Fazio
Frank Fazio is the founder of CySAT Security and a leading cybersecurity expert with over 30 years in IT. Certified in Incident Response and Advanced Forensics, he translates cutting-edge hacker tactics into practical defenses for public sector leaders, law enforcement, and executives across Canada. He has presented at numerous events including the OACP Leadership Forum and the OACP Crisis & Strategic Communications Conference. Frank regularly competes in hacker competitions to stay ahead of adversaries, and his singular focus is arming people and organizations with the exact skills needed to protect themselves and their critical assets from today's escalating threats. About the Session Title: AI Won’t Replace Chiefs - But It Might Embarrass Them: Using AI Without the Blowback Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to frontline policing - promising faster investigations, smarter analytics, and new ways to engage the public. But alongside opportunity comes real risk. Across North America, early AI deployments have already triggered legal challenges, operational missteps, and unexpected vulnerabilities. This keynote gives Police Chiefs and senior leaders a clear, practical lens on what AI means for policing today - separating hype from reality and highlighting the leadership decisions that matter most. Through real-world examples and candid insights, attendees will learn how to harness AI’s advantages while avoiding the pitfalls that can undermine trust, evidence integrity, and public confidence. |
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Session 2 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. |
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Dr. Marc Hurwitz is a co-author of the best-seller Leadership is Half the Story (University of Toronto, Rotman-Press), Followership Education, and Followership In Action. He is the co-founder of FliP U Inc. - FliPing leadership on its head with innovative blended professional development. Marc teaches leadership & followership, entrepreneurship, organizational behaviour, and consulting at U. Waterloo. He has also taught Finance at Wilfrid Laurier, neuroscience and psychology at U. Waterloo, and math and physics at a number of PSEs. Marc has many years corporate and entrepreneurial experience in product marketing, HR, actuarial and IT, including starting three separate ventures. Although, as a kid, he dreamed of being a theoretical physicist or one of the Beatles, his path in life keeps pulling him back to his love of people, learning and teaching. About the Session Title: Leadership Is Half the Story Every Chief knows leadership matters. What’s less discussed, and often misunderstood, is followership. Outcomes in your service don’t depend on leadership alone. They depend on the quality of the partnership between leadership and followership. And research shows that when followership is strong — proactive, accountable, engaged — performance improves by 17–43% across nearly every organizational metric. In this energizing session, you will:
Speakers: Dr. Marc Hurwitz, PhD MBA MSc MSc, and Samantha Hurwitz, CPA, are co-authors of the bestselling Leadership Is Half the Story, and co-founders of FliP U Inc. and the Global Followership Network. They are internationally known for reframing leadership and followership as a single, interconnected system, and for designing learning experiences that positively change how people work. Marc is a Professor at the University of Waterloo with deep expertise in leadership, followership, entrepreneurship, and organizational neuroscience, shaped by years of corporate experience across HR, IT, and product management. Samantha is a former senior executive with 25+ years of experience in finance, HR, and large-scale organizational transformations. Together, they work with organizations that want leadership to be less heroic, followership to be more intentional, and work to be more human, effective, and meaningful. Learn more at www.flipu.ca | www.globalfollowership.com. |
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Session 3 Neurodiversity and Policing Moderator: Lisa Whittingham, PhD, Brock University Panel: Brenna Bonn, Conestoga College John Versluis, Peel Regional Police Karen Huber, Sunbeam Community 10:15 p.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
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About Lisa Whittingham Lisa Whittingham is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Disability Studies at Brock University. Lisa is also a Collaborative Scientist with the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH and a collaborator on the Mental Health Crisis Response Education and Applied Training Program. Lisa’s research sits at the nexus of disability, law, and crisis response, and is informed by over 15 years of working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in criminal justice, forensic, and acute mental health settings. Her research focuses on three key areas: understanding the involvement of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the criminal justice system; helping first responders respond to people with neurodevelopmental disabilities; and exploring how the construction of vulnerability, risk, and disability influences responses to those with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Brenna Bonn is a recently retired Superintendent from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, where she dedicated over 31 years to public safety leadership, frontline service, and intelligence operations. A leader in public safety and frontline service, she holds a Doctor of Social Science from Royal Roads University, and her most recent work culminated at the 2025 CanFASD Conference, where she shared her doctoral research on the intersection of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and policing. This work, published in OACP HQ Magazine, led to the creation of a new FASD-informed training program for frontline officers designed to improve police interactions with vulnerable individuals, reduce harm, and inform systemic change within law enforcement practices. Currently, Brenna is a professor and coordinator at Conestoga College, overseeing the Risk, Threat, and Crime Analysis program and the upcoming Bachelor of Policing. She is also the co-founder of Reach For It, a program connecting police with youth affected by FASD. Combining operational depth with academic expertise, Brenna remains a dedicated advocate for community-informed justice and equitable policing.
John Versluis is the Director of Community Strategy, Partnerships and Intervention at Peel Regional Police (PRP) where he leads a range strategic and operational initiatives to achieve the Service’s community safety and well-being objectives. In this role, he also serves as the Operational Liaison to the Peel Police Foundation. Prior to joining Peel Regional Police in 2021, John had a 17-year career in municipal social and community services sector where he was responsible for human service planning and investment initiatives to strengthen community outcomes. John holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria.
Karen has over 30 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families in mental health and developmental services, with the past 11 years focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Her work includes direct support, system-level leadership, and coordinating the Waterloo Region FASD Diagnostic Clinic. She has advised on provincial best practices and contributed to FASD training for the Waterloo Regional Police Service. Karen currently serves as FASD Coordinator at Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre, where she advocates for compassionate, informed, and effective supports for individuals living with FASD and their families.
About the Session Neurodiversity describes how having different minds represents natural and valuable variations in human diversity. That said, many citizens are neurodivergent – they have some form of neurological difference, like autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, that will impact interactions with those around them. Despite the desire to be able to respond equitably to neurodivergent individuals, many officers report having limited insight into how to navigate encounters with these individuals. This has led researchers, advocates, practitioners, and police services to develop initiatives, including education and community relationship-building, to help prepare officers and neurodivergent individuals for encounters. This session will provide an introduction to neurodiversity and how having a neurodevelopmental disability can shape encounters with police. Following this introduction, a panel of program leaders will discuss their initiatives designed to bridge the gap between police and those labelled with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Panelists will also share information about their programs that are designed to help officers recognize and respond appropriately to individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities through training and fostering ongoing dialogue and collaboration with their communities. Attendees will have a chance to hear how these programs were developed and the impacts they have had on the police service and their communities. |
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Awards Luncheon 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
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Session 4 The Hamilton Experience Case Study Speakers: Daniel Mosannef, Hamilton Police Service Inspector Jim Callender, Hamilton Police Service Inspector Carolyne Rashford, Hamilton Police Service Expert Panel Discussion - OACP Race & Identity-Based Data Collection Working Group Moderator: Dr. Jose Luis (Joe) Couto, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Panel: Mandy Williams, Waterloo Regional Police Service 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
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Daniel Mosannef is the Manager of Analytics at the Hamilton Police Service, where he leads the Crime and Information Analysis Unit. His work focuses on the development and application of analytical methods to support operational and strategic decision-making, with a particular emphasis on the Service’s Race and Identity-Based Data (RIBD) Strategy. He leads the design and implementation of analyses examining patterns in police interactions—such as use of force, de-escalation, and enforcement outcomes—while accounting for situational and contextual factors. His work emphasizes moving beyond descriptive reporting toward more rigorous analytical approaches to identify disparities, evaluate practices, and inform policy and training. Daniel works closely with internal units as well as academic and community partners to strengthen the methodological rigor and transparency of this work, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based policing and continuous improvement within the Service.
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About Dr. Marc Hurwitz
About Brenna Bonn
About John Versluis
About Karen Huber
About Daniel Mosannef (Ph.D)