Who We Are

The Canadian Association of Police Governance (CAPG) is the only national organization dedicated to excellence in police governance in Canada. Founded in 1989 with the goal to improve the effectiveness of civilian bodies that govern local police services, we have since grown to represent 80% of municipal police service oversight bodies throughout Canada.

For over 30 years, the CAPG has worked diligently to achieve the highest standards as the national voice of civilian oversight of municipal police. Legitimate police powers are derived from the consent of the public. As a result, it is incumbent upon the members of the CAPG to safeguard the public trust by acting ethically. The ethical foundation of justice, rule of law, moral core, human dignity and democratic principles forms the context for ethical decision making, which guide decisions made by the CAPG. The primary duty of all CAPG members is to work in support of Canadian democratic values that are enshrined in the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Composition and Duties of Canadian Police Boards and Commissions

For provinces in Canada with one or more municipal police services, governance of the police service falls to a civilian body comprised of members of municipal Council, citizens of the municipality appointed by either the province or municipality, or a combination thereof.

While duties of municipal police boards/commissions vary slightly from province to province, most are responsible for:

  • determining adequate personnel levels
  • budgeting for the needs of the police service
  • monitoring the budget
  • reviewing the performance of the service
  • hiring the Chief of Police
  • evaluating the Chief of Police
  • labour relations
  • discipline
  • policy development

Mission

The Canadian Association of Police Governance works collaboratively and proactively with members and partners to enhance civilian governance of policing in Canada.

Vision

The Canadian Association of Police Governance is a strong, national voice and resource for civilian governance of policing in Canada.

Strategic Directions

  1. INFORM. Ensure members have independent access to the information and insights needed to be effective as police governance organizations.
  1. CONNECT. Bring members and partners together on a regular basis to share knowledge and develop deeper connections.
  1. FOCUS. Articulate a common national voice on priority issues in police governance and community safety, and advocate for change.
  1. BUILD. Stimulate thought leadership and contribute to evidence-based research and initiatives that fill gaps in our current knowledge on police governance.

The CAPG will:

  1. collect, assemble, synthesize, and disseminate best practices as a tool kit/resources for members;
  1. convene groups to knowledge share and build common perspectives on civilian governance;
  1. be a national voice to influence public policy on civilian governance of policing and community safety;
  1. partner with thought-leaders to further the discussion on emerging evidence-based community safety and policing issues.