Police Service Boards

Legislative Update: Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA)

On April 1, 2024, the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) officially replaced the Police Services Act (PSA) as Ontario’s governing legislation for police oversight and governance.
This new framework:
1. Modernizes board structures and allows for expanded board sizes, especially for OPP Detachment Boards under Ontario Regulation 135/24
2.  Clarifies board composition, including the roles of municipal appointees, community representatives, and provincial appointees
3.  Introduces mandatory training for all board members on governance, human rights, and systemic racism
4.  Strengthens accountability through strategic planning, annual reporting, and public transparency
5.  Defines eligibility criteria for board membership under CSPA Sections 33–35

Whether you’re appointed by your local council or applying as a provincial appointee, this legislation ensures that Police Service Boards reflect the diversity, professionalism, and integrity of Ontario’s communities.

 

Types of Police Service (Governance) Boards in Ontario

Police Service (Governance) Boards are civilian bodies that oversee how policing is delivered in communities across Ontario. Under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA), boards exist wherever a municipality or First Nation has responsibility for policing—whether through a local police service or a contract with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

There are three main types of boards:

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Municipal Police Service Boards

These boards govern a local police service operated by a single municipality. They are responsible for strategic oversight, hiring leadership, approving budgets, and setting community policing priorities.

CSPA Section 31

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 First Nation Police Service Boards

These boards oversee First Nation police services established under agreements with the province. They reflect the unique governance and cultural needs of Indigenous communities.

CSPA Section 32

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OPP Detachment Boards

These boards serve municipalities and First Nations that receive policing from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). They advise the local OPP Detachment Commander, set priorities, and monitor performance.

Board size and structure vary depending on the number of communities served.

CSPA Section 67
Ontario Regulation 135/24

Great—let’s lay it out clearly and concisely. This section will explain the three pathways to becoming a Police Service Board member in Ontario, aligned with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA). It’s designed for your website as a practical resource, with links for deeper exploration.

How to Become a Police Service (Governance) Board Member

There are three main ways to join a Police Service Board in Ontario. Each path reflects the board’s commitment to community representation, transparency, and public service.

1. Appointed by Municipal Council

Municipal councils appoint:

• Elected officials (e.g., mayor or councillors)
• One community representative who is not a member of council or a municipal employee

These appointments are made by resolution of council and are governed by the board composition rules in the CSPA under Section 31.

2. Recruited as a Community Representative

Municipalities may publicly recruit for the community representative role. This is a great opportunity for engaged residents to contribute to local policing oversight.

To explore openings:

• Visit your municipality’s website
• Contact your local clerk or board administrator
• Watch for public notices or recruitment campaigns

 

3. Appointed as a Provincial Representative

If you haven’t been appointed locally, you can apply to be a provincial appointee. These members are selected by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and represent the diversity and professionalism of Ontario’s population.

Eligibility Requirements (CSPA Sections 33–35)

• Resident of the area served by the board (or nearby)
• Pass a comprehensive background check
• Understand board governance under the CSPA
• Complete mandatory training approved by the Solicitor General
• Demonstrate strong communication and community involvement

How to Apply

Applications are managed by the Public Appointments Secretariat (PAS):

Email: PASInfo.mgs@ontario.ca
Apply online
View current provincial vacancies 

 

Join a Police Service Board Downloadable Resources

• Becoming a provincial appointee municipal overview
• Provincial Appointee OPP Det Board download

Inspectorate Of Policing Inspector Zone Assignments

IOP Advisors – Board & Police Service Assignments