On May 27, 2022, Niagara Police Services Board Member Kevin Gibson (Regional Councillor and Mayor of Wainfleet), was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB) at its Annual General Meeting held from May 26-27 in Toronto, Ontario.
“This is a great appointment for the Police Services Board, the entire police community and Niagara Region”, says Bill Steele, Chair of the Niagara Police Services Board. “It also continues the great tradition of public service by Niagara Board Members well beyond the boundaries of our Region. Member Gibson’s leadership and knowledge will help the OAPSB navigate some complex issues related to new legislation and regulations, police governance, and strategic planning.
Commenting on his new responsibilities, Member Gibson says, “I’m very pleased to have been chosen to serve on the OAPSB Board. At a time when the police sector is facing unprecedented challenges, the advocacy work of the OAPSB has never been more critical.”
The OAPSB is the provincial association representing municipal police services boards, and the so-called ‘OPP Boards’. The OAPSB, and its predecessor, the Municipal Police Authorities (MPA) have been in existence for 60 years assisting police services boards discharging their duties of governance and oversight. The OAPSB is the leading advocacy voice for citizen governance of policing in Ontario, and provides members services including training, events and communications.
The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board is comprised of seven members, three members appointed from Regional Council, one private citizen appointed by Regional Council, and three provincial appointees. It is the civilian governing authority for the Niagara Regional Police Service, the oldest regional police service in Ontario that patrols one of the largest geographical regions. The Niagara Regional Police provides policing and public safety to 12 municipalities totally some 450,000 residents and an estimated 15,000,000 visitors annually.
For further information contact: Deb Reid, Executive Director, Niagara Police Services Board; (905) 688-4111 Extension 5170