Who We Are
About Us
As a unifying voice for advocacy in policing, the Police Association of Ontario represents over 28,000 sworn officers and civilian police personnel from 45 police associations across Ontario. We provide our member associations with representation, resources, education, and support. Through our efforts with government leaders, we have made significant strides in creating safe workspaces, fostering healthy labour relations and protecting the mental health of our members. Our commitment ensures that our members' voices are heard and respected in all legislative and policy discussions.
The organization was founded in 1933 when the policing profession was largely undefined. The quality of policing and working standards was largely dependent on the political and financial priorities of municipalities. Recognizing the inadequacies of the current system, twenty police officials gathered at the Royal York in Toronto on October 11th, 1933, to find a better way forward. The outcome was the formation of the Police Association of Ontario.
From its inception until now, the organization has played a defining role in developing the police profession in Ontario and advocating for the rights of police personnel.
Mission
The Police Association of Ontario will provide leadership to protect and advance the rights, interests and well-being of the professional police personnel who keep our communities safe.
Vision
The Police Association of Ontario is the unifying, trusted voice for Ontario’s professional police personnel.
Values
We do the right thing even in difficult situations, follow through on our commitments and work from a position of trust and accountability.
We think and act in ways that are fair, considerate and professional. Creating an environment that is positive, recognizes everyone’s contributions and establishes open, two-way communication.
We work together as a team to best serve our collective membership, bringing forward and putting in place the best possible solutions to support decision-making that reinforces the vision and mission.
We demonstrate commitment, perseverance and diligence in our work, while practicing open, receptive and partnership-oriented leadership that benefits the policing community.