Overview

Police services boards oversee how policing is provided in their local community. They contribute to their community’s safety and well-being by working with local citizens and organizations to make sure their community receives the appropriate policing it needs.

A municipality’s policing is overseen by a board where the community chooses to either:

  • establish a municipal police force
  • establish a joint police force with other municipalities
  • contract with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to receive policing services

Police services boards consist of:

  • an equal number of members appointed from both the regional or municipal council and the province
  • one community member is chosen by the council

Become a board member

You can find current vacancies in police services boards and apply to become a provincially-appointed board member.

Provincial members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, by Order in Council.

Provincial appointees reflect the diversity of the people of Ontario and deliver services and decisions in a non-partisan, professional, ethical and competent manner. Appointees are committed to the principles and values of public service.

Qualifications

To qualify as a board member you must:

  • be a resident of the municipal area served by the board (if there are no other qualified applicants in a municipal area, applicants who live outside of the municipal area served by the board may be considered)
  • pass a comprehensive police records check
  • understand the role of a police services board
  • be involved in your local community
  • have good written and verbal communications skills

Previous experience on boards or committees is considered an asset.

Board members may be subject to other statutes, regulations, rules or directives that currently exist or may be established that apply to agencies, boards or commissions. This includes people currently employed by the Ontario Public Service (OPS). Employees of the Ontario Public Service are excluded from becoming provincially-appointed members to police service boards.

Expectations

Board members are expected to:

  • complete training that may be provided by the ministry
  • participate in the election of a chair at the first meeting in each year, which may also include electing a vice-chair
  • follow and adhere to the Members of Police Services Boards Code of Conduct
  • attend meetings as determined by the board, with no fewer than four meetings each year

Many boards hold monthly or special meetings throughout the year. Some boards may expect members to attend certain events related to the board’s work. Local police services boards can provide more information on the time commitment required.

Remuneration (pay) is provincially regulated, and the amount is determined and paid by the municipality.

Board responsibilities

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) police services boards are responsible for:

  • determining objectives and priorities for police services, in consultation with the OPP detachment commander
  • advising the OPP detachment commander assigned to the municipal area on police services and supports required in the area
  • establishing local policies on police services
  • participating in the selection of the detachment commander
  • receiving regular reports from the detachment commander
  • monitoring the performance of the detachment commander

Municipal police services boards are responsible for:

  • determining objectives and priorities for police services
  • establishing policies for the effective management of the police force
  • appointing members of the police force
  • preparing a business plan at least once every three years
  • recruiting and appointing the chief of police and any deputy chief
  • monitoring the performance of the chief of police
  • participating in collective bargaining and working agreement processes as the employer

Contact us

Public Appointments Secretariat
Room 2440, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1W4