The establishment of the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario (IPCO) in the fall of 2019 was a significant step towards ensuring that the Indigenous Policing Services in Ontario receive the representation and advocacy they deserve.

With this new organization in place, the voices of the Indigenous policing services can be heard, and their unique needs can be addressed with professionalism and care. It is essential to recognize the importance of these services and to support the invaluable work they do for Indigenous communities in Ontario.

It is imperative to recognize the importance of fair and equitable policing in all parts of Ontario. It is essential that all communities, including the First Nation reserves, receive the same level of policing services. This ensures that every member of the community is treated with respect and fairness, and that everyone has access to justice.

Vision

To ensure the Indigenous Police Services’ communities receive equitable and adequate policing services that all of Ontario receives, while respecting the inherent rights, customs, and cultures of our Indigenous communities.

Mission

The Indigenous Police Services of Ontario will be a unified voice to sustain and advance the interests of Ontario Indigenous Police Services for the benefit of policing in our Indigenous communities.

Strategic Goals

Create and cultivate new and existing partnerships

To further build and establish partnerships and relationships with our stakeholders and partners in Ontario, and in the policing industry to ensure the advancement and benefit of Indigenous policing for all.

IPCO recognizes the need to explore and have opportunities presented to link and partner with external groups and others to build expertise, share experiences and develop mutually beneficial initiatives. IPCO would like to see its communities achieve their future goals and they recognize they have a significant role to play, in partnership with others, to support the Indigenous communities in realizing their vision of receiving equitable policing services.

Ensure continued capacity development

To guarantee equitable treatment of Indigenous police services through capacity and resource development.

Capacity development will maximize the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of all IPCO members. This will ensure that all the police services of IPCO can effectively, self- sufficiently, and resiliently manage and deliver culturally appropriate policing.

IPCO will align with their partners in policing, the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA) and the Quebec First Nations Police Chiefs Association (QFNPCA) to ensure resource sharing continues.

Continue to provide education and advocacy

To provide education and awareness to organizations, the public, and our communities regarding Indigenous policing. Specifically ensure that cultural education and awareness is a key component to our deliverables as we are the experts in culturally responsive policing and policing Indigenous communities/peoples.

Further develop capacity and competency in human resources with a focus on overall health and wellness

Advocate for overall corporate health and wellness to achieve key goals, improve recruitment, increase retention, and reduce employee turnover.

IPCO will introduce and align workplace practices and policies to enhance well-being and commit to a culturally safe workplace. To ensure the overall health and wellness of Indigenous Police Service employees and provide a culturally and psychologically safe workplace.