2026 Crisis and Strategic Communications Conference

About the Session

The mental health of first responders, particularly those in front line and investigative units, has come to the forefront in the past several years as recognition of the psychological pressures facing police has grown. While much research has taken place in this field, one area that is still underrepresented in the literature is the unique experiences and stressors for media relations officers and police communication specialists. 

Drawing on the current research on mental health and burnout in policing as well as the diverse experiences of police communications specialists and media relations supervisors, this panel will seek to explore the nature of crisis and strategic communications and its impacts on mental health, discuss strategies for managing stressors associated with this type of work, and propose ways in which supervisors and organizations can best support these roles. 

Dr. Kyle Handley is the Senior Director of Wellness for the York Regional Police (YRP) and the former chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police – Psychological Services Committee.  Dr. Handley has used his training in both clinical psychology and organizational development to support his work with police services, hospitals, universities, and private corporations in the United States and Canada.  Currently, Dr. Handley is responsible for the design and delivery of YRP’s comprehensive wellness strategy, management of the biopsychosocial spiritual wellness team, and providing general mental health education and support for YRP members and their families.

Speaker: Chief Mark Crowell, Waterloo Regional Police & OACP First Vice President

Chief Mark Crowell has served with the Waterloo Regional Police Service since 2001 and is the Service’s 7th Chief of Police. Over his career, he has served in areas including Community Policing – Patrol, Intimate Partner Violence, Special Victims – Sexual Assault, Communications, Administrative Support – Records, Executive Officer to the Chief of Police, and Deputy Chief of Police.

Chief Crowell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Canadian Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo.

He currently serves as a Vice President on the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Board of Directors and is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Victims of Crime Committee.

Chief Crowell has served on the Board of Directors for Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) and he is currently a Board of Directors member for Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. He has also volunteered with Out of the Cold and Food4Kids Waterloo Region

Police communicators are often called upon to inform the public during life's most difficult moments while supporting frontline members working under extraordinary pressure. The challenge is clear: how do you communicate with empathy without compromising accuracy, transparency, or operational integrity? 

Designed for police communications professionals, this session explores practical strategies for communicating with compassion during critical incidents, organizational crises, and everyday policing. Through real-world examples, participants will learn how empathetic communication can strengthen public trust, support employee well-being, and enhance relationships with victims, families, communities, the media, and police personnel.

Chief Don MacLean began his policing career in 1993. He was appointed Chief of Halifax Regional Police in September of 2023. Since 2020 he had held the position of Deputy Chief of Operations, overseeing both the patrol and criminal investigation divisions.

Prior to serving as Deputy Chief, he was the Superintendent of the Patrol Division. Chief MacLean served as the first Diversity Officer for Halifax Regional Police from 2004 to 2006 and went on to become the Executive Officer to the Chief and later the Human Resources Officer.

A lifelong resident of Halifax, Chief MacLean is a long-serving member of the Board of Directors for St. John Ambulance Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island Council, is an active member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police as well as on the Board of Directors for Phoenix Youth. He currently serves as the Co-chair of the Wortley Report Research Committee, which consists of community stakeholders and partners doing important work to address bias and systemic racism in policing. He’s also a member of the Board of Governors for the University of King’s College and has previously received an appointment as an Honorary Aide-De-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Chief MacLean was invested into the Order of St. John in 2017, and recently became the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

He attended the University of King’s College and has continued his education through Saint Mary’s University Executive and Professional Development, Dalhousie College of Continuing Education, Canadian Police College and the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

In today’s policing environment, crises unfold in a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), where operational decisions are increasingly shaped by governance, politics, stakeholder expectations, and public scrutiny. This session equips police leaders with the political intelligence to understand the dynamics of power and authority, navigate complex stakeholder relationships, anticipate political and reputational challenges, and think and act strategically during times of crisis. Through practical frameworks and real-world scenarios, participants will strengthen their ability to leverage opportunities, build organizational resilience, and enhance public trust while upholding the highest standards of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Ken Chan is a Partner at Optimus SBR, where he leads the firm’s Health, Government and Public Sector practice. Prior to joining Optimus SBR, Ken served as an Assistant Deputy Minister with two Ontario ministries and as Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at two public universities.

Ken also brings extensive municipal and public safety experience, having held leadership and advisory roles in Canada and the United Kingdom, including serving as an advisor on policing in the Mayor of London’s Office. Earlier in his career, he served as a Constable with Peel Regional Police in both frontline uniform and investigative assignments.

A recognized executive educator, Ken teaches leadership and governance across several post-secondary institutions and professional organizations. He holds an Executive PhD in Management from ESCP Business School, a member of the Sorbonne Alliance.

Ken serves on the boards of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), Alterna Savings, Alterna Bank, and the Pathstone Foundation.

The death of a police officer, whether in the line of duty or while on duty, is among the most devastating events a police service can face. In an instant, communicators are called upon to support grieving families, assist organizational leaders, respond to intense public and media scrutiny, and help an entire service navigate profound loss, all while ensuring information is accurate, timely, and compassionate.

This session explores the unique role of police communications professionals in the hours, days, and weeks following an officer's death. It will examine strategies for managing internal and external communications, coordinating with investigative partners, supporting memorial and ceremonial events, navigating social media, and balancing transparency with privacy and investigative integrity. 

This practical session explores how AI can support communications planning, crisis preparedness, stakeholder analysis, environmental scanning, media relations, and content development. AI will not replace police communicators. It will empower those who know how to use it. This session will provide the practical skills needed to make AI a valuable addition to your communications toolkit.