This webinar will explore building capacity around data analysis and learning data-driven decision-making practices that can be implemented at the board level. By gathering more context, boards can create a more evidence-based environment and make better, faster decisions.

Our panel of experts will take you through case studies and examples of data-driven decision-making and how it has been used in different contexts to improve outcomes for communities.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson, Wilfrid Laurier University
Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson is an assistant professor in the department of criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her research focuses on policing, collaborative governance, spatial criminology, crime prevention and victimology. Using an action-research framework, she works directly with communities and organizations to build solutions from the bottom-up. She is also a SafeGrowth(R) practitioner and works with neighbourhoods across North America and Australia to reduce crime and improve community cohesion.

Mafalda Avellino, York Police Services Board
Mafalda Avellino has over 10 years of experience in police board governance and administration, and is currently the Executive Director of the York Regional Police Services Board. The key functions within this role are policy development and implementation, strategic and business planning and building and managing relationships with communities, stakeholders and all levels of government.

Ms. Avellino oversees and manages the Board’s day-to-day operations and also acts in an advisory capacity to the Board. The Executive Director assists the Board in meeting its statutory requirements by ensuring Board compliance with regulations and legislation. Mafalda is also a member of the CAPG Advocacy Committee and sits on the ESSC (Emergency Services Steering Committee) 9-1-1 Call Reduction Working Committee.

In addition to her experience in police oversight and governance, Mafalda has worked as a business and strategic planner for the York Regional Police and has worked as a consultant for the Ontario Human Rights Commission, First Nations Chiefs of Police Association and with the South African Police in developing a community policing training manual.

She has obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University and Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto. Mafalda has completed numerous courses in executive leadership and municipal management.

John Ng, Canadian Society of Evidence-Based Policing
Experienced crime analyst (10+ years) at the Saskatoon Police Service, Chair of the Publications Committee for the International Association of Crime Analysts, Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (International Association of Crime Analysts), Canadian Society of Evidence Based Policing Director of Operations, NIJ/IACP LEADS Scholar passionate about social science research & evidence-based policing practices, with demonstrated leadership abilities through volunteering in the community.

Curtis Allen, Halton Police Board
Curt Allen was appointed by the Province of Ontario to the Halton Police Board on May 10, 2019. Mr. Allen retired from Scotiabank in February 2015 where he was Vice President and Chief Security Officer. Before this role, he served as Royal Canadian Mounted Police deputy commissioner for Ontario and Quebec, deputy commissioner national headquarters, and deputy commissioner national police services and technical infrastructure, following his work as RCMP chief human resources officer. Among his many professional associations, Allen was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Conference Board of Canada Security Executives Council.

Mr. Allen is dedicated to volunteering and community involvement and has served on many boards, committees, clubs, and organizations over the years. He is currently serving on the Ontario Hunan Resource Professional Association and the Ontario Association o Police Service Boards. Curt resides in Oakville with his wife where he supports several community organizations including youth hockey and has been very active supporting baseball leagues and children’s hospital.