The Ontario Provincial Police Association
Standing (L to R) Chris Hoffman, Thomas Kaudelka, Martin Bain. Seated (L to R) Doug Lewis, Todd Provost, Jim Christie, Lee McBain
The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) works on behalf of all civilian and non-commissioned uniform members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). There are over 6,000 uniformed members and approximately 3,000 civilian members who belong to the Association.
Our members work hard every day to keep our communities safe, healthy, and prosperous. Professional, well-trained, and committed, our members provide effective, cost-effective policing services to 324 communities in the province of Ontario; from Essex to Thessalon to Thunder Bay, across nearly a million square kilometres of land and 100,000 square kilometres of waterways.
The OPPA is the sole bargaining agent for 9000 plus employees both civilian and sworn. We represent members’ interests in negotiations with the employer- the Ontario government – and are strong advocates for a healthy, safe work environment for our members. We constantly push for better tools and equipment, improved health and safety standards, and support for members suffering from stress and injuries.
Message from Jim Christie
President, Ontario Provincial Police Association
Jim Christie is president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA)
The nature of policing has changed since the Association was founded in 1954. The OPP is a unique organization, mandated to provide both municipal and provincial police services. Our members police rural and isolated communities, where costs can be higher and distances are longer. The OPP also supports municipal forces that, due to municipal cost-cutting, may be forced to go without their own specialized services, such as a canine unit or emergency response.
Increased reliance on modern technology, complex investigations such as international investigations and those involving white-collar crime, and requirements imposed by the courts, have all added workplace and budgetary stress. Our members are being asked to do more. Doing more unfortunately costs more and that economic reality has made our members a political target.
Fortunately, the OPP is able to save money in ways that municipal forces cannot. Centralized recruitment, training and staffing management, economies of scale due to bulk purchasing, centralized dispatching, and access to technology and research reduce costs while ensuring consistent and professional services to all OPP-serviced areas. This is why the OPP is generally a less-expensive of option than a municipal force – 35-60% less according to a recent government report.
There is room for efficiency and cost savings; our members understand that, because we’re taxpayers too. But these must be achieved in an evidence-based manner with a sound rationale for any proposed change. We get value for money. Public safety policy should not be made in sound bites.
Our communities are safer than ever
In the meantime, thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our uniform and civilian law enforcement, our communities are safer than ever before. The fact that crime rates are down is evidence that getting more officers on the street (with access to more modern equipment and better resources) is working. Crime prevention and abatement strategies are working. And we’ll continue to advocate for better strategies to make our communities even better places to live.
Jim Christie, President
Ontario Provincial Police Association
OPPA Speaking Out
The Ontario Provincial Police Association has created several YouTube videos that speak to their members and the citizens they serve. Check this one out. “We’re Here for You!” It might give you some good ideas for your own association.
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