b'YOU AS A POLICE LEADER SHOULD BE PROUD THAT YOUbudgetchallenges,technology advancements,legislativechanges PLAY A ROLE IN SOCIETY THAT MANY DONT HAVE THEandevolvingcommunityexpecta-HEART OR COURAGE TO DO. tions. At times there is frustration, but there is always hope and oppor-tunitybecausepoliceleaderstake onthosechallenges,theyanalyze their environment, they look to the professions that you will ever have. Itprovince. Our OACP staff, executivefuture and have the strategic fore-can be lonely at times, and we needboard and the 30+ committees thatsight to set pathways of success in toleanoneachothertosupport,do tremendous work on our collect- motion to meet the needs of their celebrate and lift one another up inivebehalfaresoveryimportantmembers,theirorganizationsand goodandtoughtimes.Givemeawhen it comes to enhancing publictheir communities.call anytime. safetyandensuringexceptionalNoteveryoneseesthat,butI service to our communities. I couldhaveafront-rowseatatoneof That message had such an impactnotbemoreproudoftheeffortsthebestshowsinthisprovince. on me, and I have kept it for years.andcontributionsthateachmakeWatchingpoliceleadersadapt, Why? Because it is not only a solidevery day. challenge and think differently to be reminder of the role we play as policerelevant, productive and successful leaders,butalsoaresponsibilityIn my role, I make it a point tofor the benefit of others is special. tooneanotherasleaders.Ihaveregularly connect with police leadersThisisnotaneasytask,butthat made it a point to pay that personalfrom across the province. Whether itpressure is truly a privilege.connectionforward,tocheckinonbe at a zone or committee meeting, policeleaders,tocommendthemconferencesortrainingsessions,Pleaserememberthatyour for their successes and lift them upthis engagement is so very import- leadershipjourneydoesnothave whentimesaretough.Itisconta- ant.Thetalent,commitmentandtobealonelyone.Leanonone gious and impactful, and I encouragecompassion demonstrated by policeanother, celebrate successes, and lift you to make it a habit. You wont beleadersandtheirorganizationsisothers up when they need support. disappointed,andneitherwillthesimplyamazing.Despitethesize,That phone call or message to check recipient of your message or call. geographiclocationorlocalizedin on someone might be the most challenges in Ontario, I see a groupimportantthingyoudothatday. CONNECT REGULARLY of committed servant leaders whoEmbracethepressure,understand AsthepresidentoftheOntariowant the best for their communitiestheprivilegeandtakecareof Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP),and organizations.each other.I am truly humbled at the opportunityWehavediscussedemergingRoger Wilkie served as OACP to serve our policing sector, advocateissues,theimpactsofsocialPresident in 2024-25. He onkeyissuesandrepresentthedisorder,crimetrends,justicecan be reached at Roger.voice of police leaders in this greatsector modernization opportunities,Wilkie@haltonpolice.ca.PARTNER WITH US FOR YOURFAST TRACK TO SUCCESS!PUBLISHING DIGITAL ADVERTISINGRobert Thompson, Senior Vice President robertt@mediaedge.ca6 H.Q. Winter 2024/2025'