In a world where crises unfold at the speed of a scroll, the OACP 2026 Crisis and Strategic Communications Conference offers a crucial forum for professionals mastering the art of navigating uncertainly.
This conference promises a deep dive into critical case studies and invaluable lessons that shape the future of strategic communications.
Program and Speakers
Day 1 – October 21, 2026
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Registration |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. |
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Welcome and Opening Remarks 8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
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Policing with Empathy: Communicating with Compassion, Credibility, and Confidence - The Halifax PS Experience Chief Don MacLean, Halifax Regional Police Marla MacInnis, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, Halifax Regional Police 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
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About the Session 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.
Speaker: Chief Don MacLean, Halifax Regional Police
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.
Speaker: Marla MacInnis, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, Halifax Regional Police
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Break |
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10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
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Spotlight: Niche |
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10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
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Case Study: Communicating After an On-Duty or Line of Duty Death Kiri Ipsen, Ontario Provincial Police Ashling Murphy, Toronto Police Service 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
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About the Session 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.
Speaker: Ashling Murphy, Manager of Strategic Communications, Toronto Police Service
Ashling has spent more than 20 years leading communications in policing and the public sector, including 15 years with Durham Regional Police Service, after enjoying an early career in broadcast journalism as a news reporter and anchor. She is passionate about the unique communications dynamics of policing, including crisis comms, and focuses her work on building trust with members and the community. Outside of her professional role, Ashling enjoys freelance writing and photography and continues to pursue creative story telling alongside her communications role.
Speaker: Kiri Ipsen, Senior Manager of Strategic Communications, Ontario Provincial Police
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Lunch |
| 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
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Political Acuity vs. Politicization Ken Chan, Optimus SBR 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. |
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About the Session 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.
Speaker: Dr. Ken Chan, Partner and Practice Leader, Health, Government & Public Sector, Optimus SBR
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. |
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Break |
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2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Paul Pedersen, OACP Executive Director
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.
Ashling Murphy is the Manager of Strategic Communications at the Toronto Police Service, where she oversees internal and external communications and social media. She leads a team responsible for developing proactive communications strategies and products that support organizational priorities. 
Kiri has more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, issues management and media relations. Following her undergraduate studies at McMaster University and graduate studies at the University of Waterloo in English and linguistics, Kiri spent five years in communications with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Canada's newest medical school. Kiri joined the OPP in 2017 as a Strategic Communications Advisor, serving as an Emergency Information Officer during the Freedom Convoy in 2022. She is the recipient of Gold Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators and the Canadian Public Relations Society. She is currently completing a Certificate of Principles of Management with John Hopkins University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Rotman School of Business, Police Leadership Program. 
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.|
Case Study: Bringing Parker Home – Strategic Communications and Social Media as Critical Tools for Managing a Crisis. Jennifer Atkinson, Communications Strategist, Calgary Police Lahia Girbik, Social Media Communications Strategist, Calgary Police 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
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About the Session Over 13 days, the search for Parker, an 11-year-old non-verbal autistic boy in Calgary, demonstrated how strategic communications and social media can become critical tools for maintaining public trust, managing complex challenges, and supporting operational objectives during a crisis. This session will examine the strategy behind a response that generated 302 posts, more than 68 million impressions, five million engagements, and 91,000 comments/ direct messages, while keeping a community engaged and ultimately earning strong public support in a case that drew international attention.
Speaker: Jennifer Atkinson, Communications Strategist, Calgary Police
Jennifer Atkinson is a communications strategist with nearly two decades of experience spanning government, non-profit, emergency management and digital communications. She currently works with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), supporting communications and intergovernmental relations on public safety issues. Jennifer also serves on the Command Team for Canada Task Force 2, a national disaster response team. She was deployed as an information officer during the 2024 Jasper, Alberta wildfires. Prior to joining the CPS, Jennifer spent 10 years with The City of Calgary, leading communications on high-profile issues, city-wide initiatives and emergency incidents. Key projects included The City’s 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budgets, the launch of the organization’s first in-house podcast, and Support Local YYC during COVID-19. Jennifer also brings extensive digital storytelling expertise, having grown online audiences into the hundreds of thousands. Beyond her professional work, she has built a significant personal social media presence over the past nine years, with content featured by international media outlets including Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, BuzzFeed News and Global TV. Her content has generated tens of millions of organic views, including more than 21 million views on a single video. Drawing on experience in emergency response, public safety, government and digital media, Jennifer specializes in crisis communications, public trust and strategic storytelling, with a focus on helping organizations communicate clearly during complex and high-pressure situations.
Speaker: Lahia Girbik, Social Media Communications Strategist, Calgary Police
With more than a decade of communications experience and over seven years specializing in social media, Lahia has led communications strategies across policing, public relations, tourism, municipal government, and major events. Before joining the Calgary Police Service, she held communications and marketing roles with Brookline Public Relations, Tourism Calgary, Chinook Blast, and the Calgary Stampede. Her experience includes navigating high-profile incidents and reputational challenges, from crisis communications and issues management to leading social media communications during major public safety events, including the University of Calgary encampment protests in 2023, the Penbrooke active shooter incident in 2024, and Calgary's recent highly publicized missing child investigation in July 2026. Lahia brings a holistic approach to crisis communications, viewing social media as more than a tool for responding to emergencies. She believes crisis communications is a continuous cycle where trust, transparency, and engagement must be cultivated before a crisis, demonstrated during a crisis, and strengthened in its aftermath. Through this lens, every interaction with a community contributes to an organization's ability to communicate effectively when it matters most. |
Lahia Girbik is a Social Media Communications Strategist with the Calgary Police Service where she leads social media strategy, crisis communications, reputation management, and digital engagement initiatives. Working closely with senior leadership and the Chief of Police, she helps guide social media communications during major incidents, critical investigations and rapidly evolving public safety events.
Day 2 – October 22, 2026
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Opening Remarks 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. |
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Dr. Jose Luis (Joe) Couto, OACP Director of Strategic Initiatives, Research, and Corporate Communications Cherri Greeno, Director of Corporate Affairs, Waterloo Regional Police Service |
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The Risk We Don't Measure: When Internal Culture Becomes an External Crisis Dr. Janelle Abela, Diversity Solutions
8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
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About the Session Police communication crises rarely begin with a media call or public statement. Often, the conditions that increase risk already exist inside the organization through gaps in information sharing, inconsistent leadership messaging, unclear roles, low trust, and disconnects between frontline realities, decision-makers, and communications teams. This session examines communication as operational infrastructure, exploring how internal culture directly influences an organization's ability to communicate clearly and credibly when the stakes are high. Dr. Janelle Abela will explore how trust, psychological safety, leadership alignment, and information flow shape crisis response, reputation, and public confidence, while offering practical strategies to identify communication vulnerabilities before they become operational or reputational risks. Key Takeaway: Effective crisis communication starts before the crisis. Strong internal communication and culture create the conditions for clarity, consistency, credibility, and trust when they matter most.
Speaker: Dr. Janelle Abela, CEO and Growth Strategist, Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc.
Dr. Janelle Abela is the CEO and Growth Strategist of Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc., where she works at the intersection of leadership, workplace culture, and organizational change. With extensive experience supporting police and public-sector organizations across Canada and the United States, she brings a practical, systems-informed approach to building respectful, accountable, and high-performing workplaces. Her work spans law enforcement, public safety, municipal government, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, professional athletics, and the nonprofit sector, with a focus on leadership development, psychological safety, communication and conflict, bias mitigation, workplace culture, and high-performing teams. Dr. Abela's doctoral research examined Canadian police officers' perceptions of equity, diversity, and inclusion training, providing unique insight into how identity, workplace realities, and organizational context shape learning and engagement in policing. Drawing on her background in education, research, coaching, and organizational leadership, she is known for translating complex research and workplace challenges into clear, practical strategies that leaders and teams can apply in everyday practice – particularly in complex, high-pressure environments. |
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Spotlight: Blackberry |
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9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
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Break |
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10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
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Mental Health Dr. Kyle Handley, Senior Director – Wellness, York Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell, Waterloo Regional Police Service 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. |
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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.
Speaker: Dr. Kyle Handley, York Regional Police
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 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. |
| Lunch |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
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Chiefs Panel: What Chiefs Need from Their Communications Teams (and Vice Versa!) Chief Thai Troung, London Police Service Chief Sara Cunningham, Greater Sudbury Police Service Chief Peter Moreira, Durham Regional Police Service 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
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About the Session What makes the relationship between a Chief of Police and a communications team truly effective? In this candid panel discussion, Chiefs of Police will share what they expect from their communications professionals, the best communications advice they have received, and the most important lessons learned from communications successes and missteps. Panelists will explore how Chiefs and communications staff can build trust, exchange honest advice, anticipate emerging issues, and work together effectively during both routine operations and high-pressure events. The session will also consider what communications professionals need from their chiefs to provide timely, strategic, and credible support. Conference participants will gain practical insights into:
Speaker: Chief Thai Troung, London Police Service
Thai Truong was appointed London Chief of Police in 2023. He joins the London Police Service from York Regional Police with more than two decades of policing experience, working in all four branches of York Regional Police: Support, Investigations, Administrative, and Operations. Chief Truong has a strong foundation in leading complex operations that include policing partners and community stakeholders across different sectors. He is a strong advocate for victims of crime, vulnerable and marginalized populations. Chief Truong is the only police leader in Canada who has been qualified and recognized by both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice as an expert in the areas of drug trafficking, human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls. Chief Truong holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Sociology Major from the University of Windsor. He has certificates from York University Schulich School of Business and the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management.
Speaker: Chief Sara Cunningham, Greater Sudbury Police Service
Chief Cunningham was appointed Chief of Police of the Greater Sudbury Police Service in September 2024, and has served in a wide range of investigative and operational roles throughout her 28-year career. Passionate about professionalism, teamwork, and relationship-building, she is dedicated to building on the Service's reputation as an innovative policing leader by embracing technology, leveraging data and analytics, advancing intelligence-led policing, and empowering members to succeed. She serves as a Zone Director with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Ontario Women in Law Enforcement. Chief Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program. A proud resident of Greater Sudbury, Chief Cunningham has long been involved in various volunteer initiatives, currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Sudbury Food Bank and is an Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel with the 2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada.
Speaker: Chief Peter Moreira, Durham Regional Police Service
With more than 30 years of policing experience, Chief Moreira began his career with the Toronto Police Service in 1991, where he held senior leadership roles across frontline, investigative, and executive operations. A strong advocate for collaboration, trust, and community partnerships, he is committed to modernizing DRPS to meet the evolving needs of a growing region. His career includes command of the Homicide Squad and the Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force; leadership during the 2022 Emergencies Act response; and contributions to major service transformation initiatives. Chief Moreira is a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Policing Honours) from Wilfred Laurier University. |
| Break |
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. |
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Artificial Intelligence in Police Communications Planning John Perenack, StrategyCorp Inc. Brian Teefy, StrategyCorp Inc. 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. |
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About the Session Artificial intelligence is transforming how police communications teams plan, prepare, and respond. Used strategically, AI can help communicators work faster, anticipate issues, and produce higher quality communications while keeping human judgment firmly at the centre. 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.
Speaker: John Perenack Vice-President, StrategyCorp
John Perenack is a Principal at StrategyCorp, where he advises senior leaders on reputation, crisis communications, and public engagement. Over more than 30 years, he has counselled organizations through high-stakes situations including kidnapping, financial crime, insolvency, and sensitive allegations of criminal staff misconduct — the kind of files where public trust, internal morale, and media scrutiny collide. He is a seasoned media strategist and trainer who prepares executives, spokespeople, and public figures to hold their message under pressure, and he has led engagement on some of Canada's most contested infrastructure and community projects. He also brings hands-on experience integrating AI into communications and reputation management. John co-hosts the Reputation Town podcast and holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business.
Speaker: Brian Teefy, Principal, StrategyCorp
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Conference Closing Remarks 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Dr. Jose Luis (Joe) Couto, OACP Director of Strategic Initiatives, Research, and Corporate Communications Cherri Greeno, Director of Corporate Affairs, Waterloo Regional Police Service |
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.
Peter Moreira has served as Chief of Police for the Durham Regional Police Service since March 2023, providing executive leadership and strategic direction for policing across Durham Region. He is currently the President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP)..jpg)
Registration:
Register now to secure your spot at this Conference!
Registration Fee: $525 + HST
Day Pass: $275 + HST
*Registration Fee includes coffee breaks and lunch on both days.
Accommodations:
A block of rooms have been secured on the Blue Mountains Resort. 
Pricing: $199.00 + HST per night.
Group Code: 10F4DQ
If you prefer to book by phone, please call:
- Toll-Free (Canada & U.S.): 1-833-583-BLUE
- International: 1-705-419-2409